The joint Research Activity "Integrating interferometry into the mainstream of astronomy" is the JRA4 of the Integrated Infrastructure Initiative OPTICON, financed within the 6th European Framework Program. Together with Network 5 of OPTICON and a Marie Curie Action in progress, it has been proposed by the Euro-Interferometry Initiative.
The objectives of JRA4 is to ensure that Europe will play a leading role in the development of optical interferometry over the next decade and to enable European astronomers to fully exploit the scientific potential of existing and planned large facilities.
The
near-term scientific
productivity of interferometers is limited mainly by: (1) the
inherent limitations of the existing focal-plane instrumentation and
the difficulties of phasing and co-phasing the elements of
interferometric arrays, (2) the lack of adequate algorithms and tools
for the analysis and interpretation of the data, (3) limitations of
component technologies and modelling tools.
The
participants of JRA4
will address areas (1) and (2) through the coordinated development of
advanced analysis software, and targeted initiatives to further the
design of next-generation focal-plane instrumentation and fringe
tracking devices.