An Optical Interferometer for Direction Measurement

摘要

The basic principles of direction measurement using interferometric techniques, and the applications of these techniques to space velocity measurements are discussed. A type of interferometer capable of accomplishing such a measurement is proposed and a basic sensitivity is calculated and compared to the sensitivity obtainable with conventional telescope techniques. It is concluded that an interferometer can be built having a sensitivity of .01 sec of arc or better. However, except for very high sensitivities (>> .01 sec) there is little to recommend the interferometer over the telescope. (Author)