The Conceptual Design of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer

摘要

We describe the scientific motivation for and conceptual design of theMagdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer, an imaging interferometer designedto operate at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The rationale for themajor technical decisions in the interferometer design is discussed, thesuccess of the concept is appraised, and the implications of this analysis forthe design of future arrays are drawn out.