Simulators for Imaging Interferometry in Space

摘要

An important step in the development of new concepts for imaging interferometry in space is to obtain a clear view of the imaging capabilities of the concept array for the intended set of target sources. This view needs to include an accurate rendition of the shape of the final point spread function, a photometrically accurate computation of the final images after restoration, and an evaluation of the image dynamic range for a realistic set of target image structures and brightness levels. An imaging simulator which provides for these features is a useful tool for the exploration of parameter space, and can support and help to guide the development phase of new space imaging interferometer concepts. The accomplishments and limitations of ground-based synthesis imaging both at radio and optical wavelengths provide the reference for an evaluation of the expected contributions from new space mission concepts. This paper presents a general framework for imaging simulators, both in Michelson and in Fizeau modes, and discusses briefly several implementations which we have created over the past few years. The first of these was designed to simulate the imaging capabilities of the (Michelson) Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) at optical wavelengths, and a version has recently been completed for the (Fizeau) Stellar Imager (SI) Optical/UV interferometer concept; these two simulators are described in more detail elsewhere in this session. We are also developing simulators for an imaging mode of the Mid-IR interferometer version of the Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF-IR), for the Submillimeter Probe for the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS, and its precursor mission SPIRIT), and for the Mid-IR concept system Fourier-Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI).