Optical intensity interferometry with the H.E.S.S. gamma-ray telescopes

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stefan Funk
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426212122

The aim of this project is to develop a system for optical intensity interferometry for the H.E.S.S gamma-ray telescopes in Namibia and to perform high-angular resolution measurement of stars in the V and R bands. The proposed project consists of three modules: a) development of the light-detection and electronics chain, b) development of the mechanical and optical struture and c) development of data analysis tools. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of the full chain developed in this proposal to measure the stellar diameters of bright stars on timescales of a few hours (detect the signal at a projected 5-m baseline within minutes).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants