VLT High-Speed Spectro-Photometry: A Powerful Tool for Exploring Compact Stellar Objects and Related Phenomena

Abstract

In the parameter domain of short timescales, we expect exciting answers to various astrophysical problems related to the understanding of compact objects and phenomena in their environments. Several of these investigations will not only benefit from the light collecting power of the VLT, but are only possible using telescopes of the 8-m class. Examples are given for investigation of close interacting binary systems, a field of astrophysics where application of VLT high-speed spectro-photometry will increase our knowledge dramatically. Proposed observing programs include: eclipse mapping of accretion disks with different spectral resolutions; Doppler tomography of accretion flows; exploration of flickering and search for associated light echoes. In order to measure such short timescale phenomena, the high-speed multi-object spectrophotometer FRISPI has been proposed for the VLT.