An optical Very Large Array is proposed for short-term ground-based observing. With 15 apertures arranged non-redundantly along a circle, phase closure techniques can reconstruct high-resolution images in the snapshot mode. In one of the two design options considered, delay lines are avoided by displacing the telescopes during observation. Telescope designs involve replicated optics and spherical mounts. We also mention steps in the development of a floating array in space: a small telescope with electrostatic mount is to be tested aboard a Saliout spaceship in 1986 to qualify the TRIO technology.

Date Published: 20 August 1986
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 0628, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes III, (20 August 1986); doi: 10.1117/12.963548

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0628:
Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes III
Lawrence D. Barr, Editor(s)