Interferometry in the Near-Infrared: 1 Mas Resolution at the Wavelength of 1 Micron

Abstract

High-resolution interferometric imaging at optical and infrared wavelengths provides unique information for the study of many different classes of astronomical objects. A large number of key objects have been resolved with unprecedented resolution using bispectrum speckle interferometry or infrared long-baseline interferometry. IR interferometry allows the study of, for example, disks and out- flows of YSOs (e.g., [1]), the wavelength and phase-dependent size of evolved stars (e.g., [2]), as well as the structure of AGN. The ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer with its AMBER phase-closure instrument will enable us to achieve the spectacular resolution of 1 mas at the wavelength of 1 micron. The science goals of AMBER include studies of the jet structure of YSOs, the interferometric detection of extra-solar planets as well as the resolution of tori and broad-line regions of AGN.