How do you work out the largest angular scale to which it is sensitive

In summary, the conversation discusses using a Michelson stellar interferometer to measure the angular scale and field-of-view of a telescope, as well as the frequency range it can be used at. The speaker also mentions the use of a top-hat function and a sinc function in their calculations. They question how to calculate the largest angular scale to which the telescope is sensitive and the value of alpha, as well as the significance of delta(V) and chromatic aberration. They suggest researching the details of a Michelson stellar interferometer for more information.
  • #1
Tomboland
6
0
How do you work out the largest angular scale to which it is sensitive and the field-of-view and what frequency range it can be used?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2


bump or what ever I still not sure about this

So you have 2 telescopes a distance B apart looking at an area of sky at an angle theta. Then place a source at a small angle away from theta, alpha. Then I can show, using small angle approx for alpha the corolated output of the system is proportional to expi[k.B.alpha.cos(theta)]

Then average over a top-hat from -delta(V)/2 to delta(V)/2 (V=frequency) to give a sinc function
sinc[pi.B.alpha.cos(theta).delta(V)/c] so from this how do you

so if we know B how do we calculate the largest angular scale to which it is sensitive? Writing this may have answered my own Q is it when sinc gets to 0.5 or some thing and what is the value of alpha? Seems fine now but what would you put as delta(V)? Does this depend on the size of the actual individual telescopes? If so how? When does chromatic abberation become important?
 
  • #3


Since nobody else has responded, I'll answer with what little I know.

It sounds perhaps like you are describing a Michelson stellar interferometer. It has been many years since I read the details of how these work, and only remember that it involves an interference measurement using two telescopes some distance apart, and assuming some form for the source intensity (eg., uniform disk or top-hat in the case of a star).

You could try a google search on "Michelson stellar interferometer". Unfortunately wikipedia does not give any details.

Regards,

Mark
 

Related to How do you work out the largest angular scale to which it is sensitive

1. How do you determine the largest angular scale to which your instrument is sensitive?

To determine the largest angular scale to which an instrument is sensitive, we typically use a combination of theoretical calculations and observational data. The theoretical calculations involve analyzing the design and specifications of the instrument, such as the size and resolution of the detectors. The observational data involves testing the instrument on known objects with different angular sizes and measuring its sensitivity to those sizes.

2. What factors affect the largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument?

The largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument can be affected by several factors, including the size and resolution of the detectors, the optics of the instrument, and the stability and precision of the instrument's pointing and tracking systems.

3. Can the largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument be improved?

Yes, the largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument can be improved by making advancements in the design and technology of the instrument. For example, using larger and higher resolution detectors, improving the optics, and implementing more precise pointing and tracking systems can all contribute to improving the instrument's sensitivity.

4. Is the largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument the same for all types of observations?

No, the largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument can vary depending on the type of observation being performed. For example, an instrument designed for optical observations may have a different largest angular scale sensitivity than an instrument designed for radio observations. This is because different types of observations require different levels of sensitivity and have different design specifications.

5. How does the largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument affect its scientific capabilities?

The largest angular scale sensitivity of an instrument is a crucial factor in determining its scientific capabilities. A higher sensitivity means that the instrument is capable of detecting fainter or more distant objects, allowing for a wider range of scientific studies. Additionally, a larger angular scale sensitivity allows for the observation of larger structures in the universe, providing more comprehensive and detailed data for scientific analysis.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
817
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Back
Top