Dr. Mario Gai Profile

Dr. Mario Gai

Research Astronomer at INAF - Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (46)

Proceedings Article | 11 September 2024 Paper

Study and analysis of pointing manoeuvres for the RAFTER mission

Chiara Scandaglia, Alberto Riva, Lorenzo Casalino, Deborah Busonero, Mario Gai, Alberto Vecchiato

Proceedings Volume 13094, 1309438 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3021738

KEYWORDS: Space operations, Angular velocity, Solar radiation, Simulations, Astrometry, Sun, Optical components, Exoplanets, Stars, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 23 August 2024 Poster + Paper

Miniaturization of the RAFTER optical design for CubeSat environment

Fabrizio Fornasiero, Alberto Riva, Fabrizio Stesina, Mario Gai, Deborah Busonero, Bartolomeo Montrucchio, Alberto Vecchiato

Proceedings Volume 13092, 130922Z (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3021027

KEYWORDS: Tolerancing, Mirrors, Equipment, Miniaturization, Optical design, Optical components, Astrometry, Telescopes, Stars, Assembly tolerances

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Proceedings Article | 23 August 2024 Poster + Paper

A centred three mirror anastigmat

Mario Gai, Alberto Riva, Deborah Busonero, Alberto Vecchiato, Federico Landini

Proceedings Volume 13092, 1309234 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018966

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Mirrors, Astrometry, Stars, Calibration, Optical alignment, Infrared telescopes, Visible radiation

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Proceedings Article | 25 July 2024 Poster + Paper

The Gaia AVU-GSR pipeline: a verification pipeline for the global astrometric sphere reconstruction and its future developments

Alberto Vecchiato, Mario Lattanzi, Beatrice Bucciarelli, Valentina Cesare, Ugo Becciani, Raffaella Buzzi, Deborah Busonero, Ruben De March, Mario Gai, Alberto Riva

Proceedings Volume 13101, 1310135 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018932

KEYWORDS: Astrometry, Optical spheres, Calibration, Covariance, Satellites, Data centers, Equipment, Data modeling, Telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 18 July 2024 Poster + Paper

Preliminary prototypes of solid telescopes for cubesat

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai, Federico Landini, Deborah Busonero, Alberto Vecchiato, Gerardo Capobianco, Valeria Caracci

Proceedings Volume 13096, 13096AD (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3018822

KEYWORDS: Prototyping, Telescopes, Design, Solids, Point spread functions, Reflection, Manufacturing, Mirror surfaces, Optics manufacturing, Optical surfaces

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Proceedings Article | 29 August 2022 Presentation + Paper

Robotic unit multiple lines of view

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai, Alberto Vecchiato, Mario Gilberto Lattanzi, Federico Landini, Deborah Busonero

Proceedings Volume 12182, 121821X (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630111

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Mirrors, Astronomy, Point spread functions, Sensors, Charge-coupled devices, Stars, Robotics, Optical components, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 27 August 2022 Presentation + Paper

Triple line of sight telescopes for space astrometry

M. Gai, A. Riva, A. Vecchiato, D. Busonero, B. Bucciarelli, M. Crosta, M. Lattanzi, Z. Qi

Proceedings Volume 12180, 121801G (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2627218

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Mirrors, Stars, Space telescopes, Point spread functions

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Proceedings Article | 27 August 2022 Presentation + Paper

Experimenting techniques of global astrometry from space

A. Vecchiato, M. Gai, M. Lattanzi, B. Bucciarelli, A. Riva, D. Busonero, M. Crosta, Z. Qi

Proceedings Volume 12180, 121801H (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2630768

KEYWORDS: Stars, Optical spheres, Telescopes, Satellites, Mathematical modeling, Calibration, Space telescopes, Point spread functions, Motion measurement, Data modeling

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Proceedings Article | 27 August 2022 Presentation + Paper

Theia: science cases and mission profiles for high precision astrometry in the future

Fabien Malbet, Lucas Labadie, Alessandro Sozzetti, Gary Mamon, Mike Shao, Renaud Goullioud, Alain Léger, Mario Gai, Alberto Riva, Deborah Busonero, Thierry Lépine, Manon Lizzanna, Alexis Brandeker, Eva Villaver

Proceedings Volume 12180, 121801F (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2629927

KEYWORDS: Stars, Telescopes, Sensors, Metrology, Planets, Space operations, Galactic astronomy, CMOS sensors, Exoplanetary science, Precision measurement

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Proceedings Article | 13 December 2020 Presentation + Paper

RAFTER: Ring Astrometric Field Telescope for Exo-planets and Relativity

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai, Alberto Vecchiato, Deborah Busonero, Mario Glilberto Lattanzi, Federico Landini, Zhaoxiang Qi, Zhenghong Tang

Proceedings Volume 11443, 114430P (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2576806

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Proceedings Article | 13 December 2020 Presentation + Paper

Progress on the Astrometric Gravitation Probe design

Mario Gai, Alberto Vecchiato, Alberto Riva, Mario Gilberto Lattanzi, Federico Landini, Beatrice Bucciarelli, Deborah Busonero, Mariateresa Crosta, Shilong Liao, Hao Luo, Giovanni Mana, Marco Pisani, Zhaoxiang Qi, Carlo Paolo Sasso, Zhenghong Tang, Yu Yong

Proceedings Volume 11443, 114430N (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2562644

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Coronagraphy, Optics manufacturing, Space telescopes, General relativity, Sun, Optical design, Optical alignment, Tolerancing

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Proceedings Article | 13 December 2020 Poster + Presentation + Paper

The ASTRA project: a doorway to future astrometry

Mario Gai, Zhaoxiang Qi, Mario Gilberto Lattanzi, Beatrice Bucciarelli, Deborah Busonero, Mariateresa Crosta, Federico Landini, Shilong Liao, Hao Luo, Giovanni Mana, Rene Méndez, Marco Pisani, Alberto Riva, Claudia Isabel Jesus San Martin Luque, Carlo Paolo Sasso, Zhenghong Tang, Alberto Vecchiato, Yu Yong

Proceedings Volume 11451, 114514I (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2562671

KEYWORDS: Astrophysics, General relativity, Planetary systems, Environmental sensing, Telescopes, Metrology

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Proceedings Article | 3 April 2018 Open Access

Astrometry at micro-arcsec resolution: optical design aspects and technology issues

Mario Lattanzi, Mario Gai, Massimo Cecconi, Stefano Cesare, Giovanni Mana

Proceedings Volume 10570, 105700M (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2326460

KEYWORDS: Interferometry, Telescopes, Mirrors, Point spread functions, Optical resolution, Optical design, Fringe analysis, Satellites, Phase measurement, Optical components

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Proceedings Article | 4 August 2016 Paper

AGP (Astrometric Gravitation Probe) optical design report

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai, Federico Landini, Paolo Lazzarini, Daniele Gallieni, Matteo Tintori, Alberto Anselmi, Stefano Cesare, Deborah Busonero, Mario Gilberto Lattanzi, Alberto Vecchiato

Proceedings Volume 9907, 990742 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232769

KEYWORDS: Sun, Stars, Mirrors, Telescopes, Optical design, Channel projecting optics, Space telescopes, Titanium, Tolerancing, Optical components

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Proceedings Article | 4 August 2016 Paper

Stray light evaluation for the astrometric gravitation probe mission

Federico Landini, Alberto Riva, Mario Gai, Cristian Baccani, Mauro Focardi, Maurizio Pancrazzi

Proceedings Volume 9907, 990741 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232568

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Space telescopes, Stray light, Mirrors, Stars, Phase modulation, Coronagraphy, Electroluminescent displays, Light scattering, Scattering

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Proceedings Article | 26 July 2016 Paper

AVU/BAM: software refurbishment (design and implementation) for the CU3 Gaia verification pipeline

Raffaella Buzzi, Alberto Riva, Marco Pecoraro, Enrico Licata, Rosario Messineo, Mario Gai, Ronald Drimmel, Mario Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 9913, 99134D (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233417

KEYWORDS: Metrology, Interferometers, Data processing, Satellites, Calibration, Telescopes, Interferometry, Connectors, Databases, Charge-coupled devices

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Proceedings Article | 5 August 2014 Paper

Running AIM: initial data treatment and micro-arcsec level calibration procedures for Gaia within the astrometric verification unit

D. Busonero, M. Lattanzi, M. Gai, E. Licata, R. Messineo

Proceedings Volume 9150, 91500K (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2057082

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Point spread functions, Diagnostics, Stars, Data processing, Charge-coupled devices, Telescopes, Image processing, Atrial fibrillation, Image quality

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Proceedings Article | 5 August 2014 Paper

GAME/ISAS development status

M. Gai, A. Riva, D. Busonero, A. Vecchiato, M. Lattanzi, D. Gallieni, P. Lazzarini, G. Guglieri, Ivano Musso, P. Navone

Proceedings Volume 9150, 91501I (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2054869

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Sun, Solar system, Silicon carbide, Coronagraphy, Interferometry, Prototyping, Planets, Stars, Physics

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Proceedings Article | 4 August 2014 Paper

The Basic Angle Monitoring (BAM) software tool in the context of Gaia's astrometric verification

Alberto Riva, Mario Lattanzi, Ronald Drimmel, Mario Gai, Deborah Busonero, Raffaella Buzzi, Marco Pecoraro, Federico Russo, Rosario Messineo

Proceedings Volume 9150, 91501Z (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2056592

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Fringe analysis, Data processing, Space operations, Calibration, Signal processing, Satellites, Interferometry, Metrology, Space telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 27 September 2012 Paper

Solid telescopes for interferometric enhancement of existing telescopes

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai

Proceedings Volume 8444, 84444K (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926115

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Solids, Interferometry, Space telescopes, Interferometers, Glasses, Optics manufacturing, Point spread functions, Large telescopes, Manufacturing

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Proceedings Article | 25 September 2012 Paper

GAIA mock-up: an educational demonstrative GAIA model

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai, Davide Loreggia, Mario Lattanzi, Maria Teresa Crosta, Isidoro Sciarratta

Proceedings Volume 8449, 84491G (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.924896

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Mirrors, Stars, Computer aided design, Space telescopes, Beam splitters, Optical simulations, Visualization, Device simulation, Solid modeling

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Proceedings Article | 24 September 2012 Paper

ISAS: interferometric stratospheric astrometry for solar system

M. Gai, A. Fienga, M. Lattanzi, A. Riva, A. Vecchiato, D. Gallieni, S. Chaillot, S. Ligori, D. Loreggia

Proceedings Volume 8446, 84464G (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.925162

KEYWORDS: Planets, Stars, Mirrors, Solar system, Interferometry, Sun, Coronagraphy, Jupiter, Space operations, Space telescopes

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Proceedings Article | 21 September 2012 Paper

A metrology concept for multiple telescope astrometry

M. Gai, D. Busonero, A. Riva

Proceedings Volume 8442, 84421O (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926767

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Mirrors, Metrology, Space telescopes, Chromium, Sensors, Retroreflectors, Stars, Prisms, Fringe analysis

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Proceedings Article | 17 September 2012 Paper

Features of a laser metrology subsystem for astrometric telescopes

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai, Mario Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 8444, 84445A (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926181

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Laser metrology, Space telescopes, Calibration, Collimators, Collimation, Metrology, Interferometry, Mirrors, Fringe analysis

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Proceedings Article | 13 September 2012 Paper

The solid telescope as answer to specic application requirements

Alberto Riva, Mario Gai

Proceedings Volume 8450, 845008 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926094

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Solids, Space telescopes, Optics manufacturing, Glasses, Coating, Optical components, Astronomical telescopes, Optical design, Point spread functions

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Proceedings Article | 12 September 2012 Paper

Gravitation Astrometric Measurement Experiment (GAME)

M. Gai, A. Vecchiato, S. Ligori, A. Riva, M. Lattanzi, D. Busonero, A. Fienga, D. Loreggia, M. Crosta

Proceedings Volume 8445, 844513 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.926875

KEYWORDS: Sun, Stars, Mirrors, Telescopes, Coronagraphy, Solar system, Interferometry, Space telescopes, Physics, General relativity

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Proceedings Article | 11 August 2010 Paper

Astrometric instrument model software tool for Gaia data reduction: challenges and implementation

D. Busonero, F. Russo, D. Loreggia, A. Riva, D. Bonino, L. Corcione, M. Gai, M. Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 7731, 773131 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.858008

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Instrument modeling, Calibration, Charge-coupled devices, Data processing, Stars, Diagnostics, Image processing, Device simulation, Java

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Proceedings Article | 11 August 2010 Paper

Monitoring, diagnostic, and calibration of the Gaia astrometric instrument response within the astrometric verification unit

Deborah Busonero, Mario Gai, Mario Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 7731, 773133 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857997

KEYWORDS: Calibration, Data modeling, Stars, Diagnostics, Instrument modeling, Charge-coupled devices, Point spread functions, Telescopes, Satellites, Data processing

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Proceedings Article | 6 August 2010 Paper

Design of a four mirror astrometric telescope for light bending measurements

Davide Loreggia, Mario Gai, Sebastiano Ligori, Alberto Vecchiato, Mario Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 7731, 77311U (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857019

KEYWORDS: Sun, Telescopes, Mirrors, Space telescopes, Photons, Interferometry, Stars, Diffraction, Reflectivity, Optical instrument design

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Proceedings Article | 6 August 2010 Paper

LEGOLAS: localizing evidence of gravitational waves by observations of light source astrometric signature

Alberto Riva, Deborah Busonero, Mario Gai, Maria Teresa Crosta, Alberto Vecchiato, Mario G. Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 7731, 77311T (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857161

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Telescopes, Space telescopes, Photons, Signal to noise ratio, Nanoimprint lithography, Sensors, Space operations, Calibration, Astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 23 September 2009 Paper

The Gamma Astrometric Measurement Experiment (GAME)

Mario Gai, Alberto Vecchiato, Sebastiano Ligori, Silvano Fineschi, Mario Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 7438, 74380T (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.831211

KEYWORDS: Sun, Stars, General relativity, Solar processes, Aerospace engineering, Current controlled current source, Precision measurement, Berkelium, Telescopes, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 28 July 2008 Paper

Fringe tracker for the VLTI spectro-imager

Leonardo Corcione, Donata Bonino, David Busher, Mario Gai, Sebastiano Ligori, Davide Loreggia, Giuseppe Massone, John Young

Proceedings Volume 7013, 701345 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789065

KEYWORDS: Fourier transforms, Signal to noise ratio, Sensors, Beam splitters, Telescopes, Photons, Interferometry, Spectrographs, Signal detection, Spatial filters

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Proceedings Article | 28 July 2008 Paper

Multiple beam combination experiments for fringe tracking on next generation interferometers

Sebastiano Ligori, Mario Gai, Leonardo Corcione, Davide Loreggia, Giuseppe Massone

Proceedings Volume 7013, 701343 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.788865

KEYWORDS: Beam splitters, Telescopes, Interferometers, Interferometry, Polarization, Space telescopes, Optical tracking, Phase measurement, Visibility, Optical alignment

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Proceedings Article | 28 July 2008 Paper

System overview of the VLTI Spectro-Imager

L. Jocou, J. P. Berger, F. Malbet, P. Kern, U. Beckmann, D. Lorenzetti, L. Corcione, G. Li Causi, D. Buscher, J. Young, M. Gai, G. Weigelt, G. Zins, G. Duvert, K. Perraut, P. Labeye, O. Absil, P. Garcia, D. Loreggia, J. Lima, J. Rebordao, S. Ligori, A. Amorim, P. Rabou, J. B. Le Bouquin, C. Haniff, E. Le Coarer, P. Feautrier, G. Duchene, M. Benisty, A. Chelli, E. Herwats, A. Delboulbé

Proceedings Volume 7013, 70132Y (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789154

KEYWORDS: Optical fibers, Mirrors, Sensors, Beam splitters, Interferometry, Spectrographs, Fourier transforms, Calibration, Information operations, Computed tomography

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Proceedings Article | 28 July 2008 Paper

VSI: the VLTI spectro-imager

F. Malbet, D. Buscher, G. Weigelt, P. Garcia, M. Gai, D. Lorenzetti, J. Surdej, J. Hron, R. Neuhäuser, P. Kern, L. Jocou, J.-P. Berger, O. Absil, U. Beckmann, L. Corcione, G. Duvert, M. Filho, P. Labeye, E. Le Coarer, G. Li Causi, J. Lima, K. Perraut, E. Tatulli, E. Thiébaut, J. Young, G. Zins, A. Amorim, B. Aringer, T. Beckert, M. Benisty, X. Bonfils, A. Cabral, A. Chelli, O. Chesneau, A. Chiavassa, R. Corradi, M. De Becker, A. Delboulbé, G. Duchêne, T. Forveille, C. Haniff, E. Herwats, K.-H. Hofmann, J.-B. Le Bouquin, S. Ligori, D. Loreggia, A. Marconi, A. Moitinho, B. Nisini, P.-O. Petrucci, J. Rebordao, R. Speziali, L. Testi, F. Vitali

Proceedings Volume 7013, 701329 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789710

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Stars, Spectral resolution, Spatial resolution, Interferometry, Integrated optics, Space telescopes, Visibility, Image restoration, Signal to noise ratio

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The VLTI Spectro Imager (VSI) was proposed as a second-generation instrument of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer providing the ESO community with spectrally-resolved, near-infrared images at angular resolutions down to 1.1 milliarcsecond and spectral resolutions up to R = 12000. Targets as faint as K = 13 will be imaged without requiring a brighter nearby reference object; fainter targets can be accessed if a suitable reference is available. The unique combination of high-dynamic-range imaging at high angular resolution and high spectral resolution enables a scientific program which serves a broad user community and at the same time provides the opportunity for breakthroughs in many areas of astrophysics. The high level specifications of the instrument are derived from a detailed science case based on the capability to obtain, for the first time, milliarcsecond-resolution images of a wide range of targets including: probing the initial conditions for planet formation in the AU-scale environments of young stars; imaging convective cells and other phenomena on the surfaces of stars; mapping the chemical and physical environments of evolved stars, stellar remnants, and stellar winds; and disentangling the central regions of active galactic nuclei and supermassive black holes. VSI will provide these new capabilities using technologies which have been extensively tested in the past and VSI requires little in terms of new infrastructure on the VLTI. At the same time, VSI will be able to make maximum use of new infrastructure as it becomes available; for example, by combining 4, 6 and eventually 8 telescopes, enabling rapid imaging through the measurement of up to 28 visibilities in every wavelength channel within a few minutes. The current studies are focused on a 4-telescope version with an upgrade to a 6-telescope one. The instrument contains its own fringe tracker and tip-tilt control in order to reduce the constraints on the VLTI infrastructure and maximize the scientific return.

Proceedings Article | 12 July 2008 Paper

GAME: Gamma Astrometric Measurement Experiment

Mario Gai, Mario Lattanzi, Sebastiano Ligori, Alberto Vecchiato

Proceedings Volume 7010, 701027 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.788767

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Telescopes, Sun, Stars, Space telescopes, Calibration, Satellites, Planets, Metrology, General relativity

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Proceedings Article | 7 June 2007 Paper

Fringe tracking with noisy interferometric data

Donata Bonino, Mario Gai, Leonardo Corcione

Proceedings Volume 6603, 66032H (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.752831

KEYWORDS: Interferometry, Instrument modeling, Sensors, Telescopes, Detection and tracking algorithms, Calibration, Astronomy, Signal detection, Visibility, Interference (communication)

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Proceedings Article | 28 June 2006 Paper

Beam combination: all with all

E. Ribak, M. Gai, S. Lipson, P. Parahovnik

Proceedings Volume 6268, 62681L (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.677412

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Beam splitters, Interferometers, Mirrors, Visibility, Telescopes, Calibration, Cylindrical lenses, Sagnac interferometers, Lamps

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Proceedings Article | 27 June 2006 Paper

VSI: a milli-arcsec spectro-imager for the VLTI

F. Malbet, P. Kern, J.-P. Berger, L. Jocou, P. Garcia, D. Buscher, K. Rousselet-Perraut, G. Weigelt, M. Gai, J. Surdej, J. Hron, R. Neuhäuser, E. Le Coarer, P. Labeye, J. Le Bouquin, M. Benisty, E. Herwats

Proceedings Volume 6268, 62680Y (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.673098

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Stars, Information operations, Integrated optics, Spectral resolution, Spectrographs, Imaging spectroscopy, Sensors, Adaptive optics, Phase measurement

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Proceedings Article | 20 October 2004 Paper

Models for VLTI fringe sensor units: FINITO and PRIMA FSUs

Donata Bonino, Mario Gai, Leonardo Corcione, Giuseppe Massone

Proceedings Volume 5491, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.550361

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Modulation, Visibility, Interferometry, Error analysis, Calibration, Metrology, Phase shift keying, Detection and tracking algorithms, Instrument modeling

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Proceedings Article | 20 October 2004 Paper

Fizeau interferometry from space: a challenging frontier in global astrometry

Davide Loreggia, Daniele Gardiol, Mario Gai, Mario Lattanzi, Deborah Busonero

Proceedings Volume 5491, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551386

KEYWORDS: Interferometry, Charge-coupled devices, Space telescopes, Stars, Telescopes, Interferometers, Point spread functions, Quantum efficiency, Distortion, Mirrors

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Proceedings Article | 20 October 2004 Paper

The VLTI fringe sensors: FINITO and PRIMA FSU

Mario Gai, Serge Menardi, Stefano Cesare, Bertrand Bauvir, Donata Bonino, Leonardo Corcione, Martin Dimmler, Giuseppe Massone, Francois Reynaud, Anders Wallander

Proceedings Volume 5491, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551495

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Telescopes, Calibration, Modulation, Interferometry, Visibility, Stars, Adaptive optics, Metrology, Interferometers

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Proceedings Article | 16 September 2004 Paper

End-to-end optomechanical simulation for high-precision global astrometry

Daniele Gardiol, Davide Loreggia, Sergio Mannu, Sergio Mottini, Luca Perachino, Mario Gai, Mario Lattanzi

Proceedings Volume 5497, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.550356

KEYWORDS: Mirrors, Telescopes, Thermal modeling, Thermography, Software development, Space telescopes, Interfaces, Device simulation, Stars, Geometrical optics

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Proceedings Article | 13 August 1999 Paper

Enabling interferometry technologies for the GAIA astrometric mission

M. Bisi, L. Bonino, Massimo Cecconi, Stefano Cesare, Fabrizio Bertinetto, Giovanni Mana, D. Carollo, Mario Gai, Mario Lattanzi, Enrico Canuto, F. Donati

Proceedings Volume 3744, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.357724

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Proceedings Article | 1 June 1994 Paper

Transputer network for real-time acquisition of IR astronomical data

Mario Gai, M. Guarnieri, Massimo Robberto, G. Bonazzola, L. Pellino, Francesco Paresce

Proceedings Volume 2198, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176701

KEYWORDS: Data acquisition, Sensors, Electronics, Cameras, Data processing, Digital signal processing, Astronomy, Detection and tracking algorithms, Analog electronics, Infrared astronomy

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Proceedings Article | 1 June 1994 Paper

First results with TC-MIRC (two channel-medium IR camera)

Massimo Robberto, Mario Gai, M. Guarnieri, Sebastiano Ligori, S. Marta, Gianalfredo Nicolini, L. Pellino, Francesco Paresce, F. Racioppi

Proceedings Volume 2198, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176758

KEYWORDS: Telescopes, Sensors, Cameras, Infrared cameras, Data acquisition, Electronics, Digital signal processing, Control systems, Channel projecting optics, Infrared telescopes

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Following the availability on the market of IR arrays able to perform ground-based astronomical observations in the atmospheric windows longward of 2.5 micrometers , we started at the Torino Astronomical Observatory a new project aimed at the construction of a thermal IR camera to be installed at the TIRGO telescope. Located in the Swiss alps at 3100 m a.s.l., this Italian facility (1.5 m f/20 IR optimized) provides during the winter months a relatively high number of nights (20%) with first-rate conditions (low temperature and emissivity) for medium-IR observations. In order to fully exploit this potential, we designed an instrument, named Two-Channel Medium IR Camera (TC-MIRC) operating over the entire 1 to 14 micrometers region and optimized for the 2.5 to 14 micrometers thermal bands. TC-MIRC covers such a broad range of wavelengths using two IR array detectors: an InSb device for the 1 to 5 micrometers region and a Si:Ga device for the 8 to 14 micrometers band. The main characteristic of the camera is that both arrays can simultaneously observe the same region. In this way, we can not only approach an almost double observing efficiency (time really spent `on target'), but also use both detectors for correlated observations and testing of unconventional acquisition techniques. It follows that TC-MIRC is a complex instrument presenting several interesting features. Thanks to the presence of two independent optical channels, the user can change the filters, adjust the focus and vary the optical scale on a channel without affecting the acquisition running on the other array. In particular, the possibility of adjusting the optical scale on each detector during the observations allows the user to select the most convenient sampling and field of view on the basis of the actual seeing or diffraction conditions, background level and scientific needs. Moreover, the adopted cryogenic system is entirely based on a mechanical closed-cycle cooler and allows very low-cost operations and easy maintenance on the mountain for long periods of time. In this paper we present the opto/mechanical design and construction, the general structure of the control system and the software architecture. We report the performances reached by the most critical parts of the instrument during the test carried out in the laboratory and at the telescope during the first engineering run in January 1994.

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