The Palomar Kernel Phase Experiment: Testing Kernel Phase Interferometry for Ground-based Astronomical Observations

At present, the principal limitation on the resolution and contrast of astronomical imaging instruments comes from aberrations in the optical path, which may be imposed by the Earth's turbulent atmosphere or by variations in the alignment and shape of the telescope optics. These errors can be corrected physically, with active and adaptive optics, and in post-processing of the resulting image. A recently-developed adaptive optics post-processing technique, called kernel phase interferometry, uses linear combinations of phases that are self-calibrating with respect to small errors, with the goal of constructing observables that are robust against the residual optical aberrations in otherwise well-corrected imaging systems. Here we present a direct comparison between kernel phase and the more established competing techniques, aperture masking interferometry, point spread function (PSF) fitting and bispectral analysis. We resolve the alpha Ophiuchi binary system near periastron, using the Palomar 200-Inch Telescope. This is the first case in which kernel phase has been used with a full aperture to resolve a system close to the diffraction limit with ground-based extreme adaptive optics observations. Excellent agreement in astrometric quantities is found between kernel phase and masking, and kernel phase significantly outperforms PSF fitting and bispectral analysis, demonstrating its viability as an alternative to conventional non-redundant masking under appropriate conditions.Comment: Accepted to MNRA

The Palomar kernel-phase experiment: testing kernel phase interferometry for ground-based astronomical observations

At present, the principal limitation on the resolution and contrast of astronomical imaging instruments comes from aberrations in the optical path, which may be imposed by the Earth's turbulent atmosphere or by variations in the alignment and shape of the telescope optics. These errors can be corrected physically,with active and adaptive optics, and in post-processing of the resulting image.Arecently developed adaptive optics post-processing technique, called kernelphase interferometry, uses linear combinations of phases that are self-calibrating with respect to small errors, with the goal of constructing observables that are robust against the residual optical aberrations in otherwise well-corrected imaging systems. Here, we present a direct comparison between kernel phase and the more established competing techniques, aperture masking interferometry, point spread function (PSF) fitting and bispectral analysis.We resolve the α Ophiuchi binary system near periastron, using the Palomar 200-Inch Telescope. This is the first case in which kernel phase has been used with a full aperture to resolve a system close to the diffraction limit with ground-based extreme adaptive optics observations. Excellent agreement in astrometric quantities is found between kernel phase and masking, and kernel phase significantly outperforms PSF fitting and bispectral analysis, demonstrating its viability as an alternative to conventional non-redundant masking under appropriate conditions

Null-curves in R2,n as flat dynamical systems

We prove that the differential equation for the null-curves of pseudo-Euclidean space R^{2,n} defines a flat dynamical system in the sense of optimal control theory. The connection with general gauge theories is briefly discussed

Null-curves in R2,n as flat dynamical systems

We prove that the differential equation for the null-curves of pseudo-Euclidean space R^{2,n} defines a flat dynamical system in the sense of optimal control theory. The connection with general gauge theories is briefly discussed

Pd- and Cu-catalyzed approaches in the syntheses of new cholane aminoanthraquinone pincer-like ligands

Cu- and Pd-catalyzed arylation of aminocholanes has been described for the first time. While this Cu-catalyzed protocol provides high yields in reactions of aminocholanes with iodoarenes, Pd catalysis was found to be preferable for the reactions of aminocholanes with dichloroanthraquinones. UV–vis titration of bis(cholanylamino)anthraquinones with a series of cations demonstrated their high binding affinity to Cu2+, Al3+, and Cr3+

Unique PGE–Cu–Ni Noril’sk Deposits, Siberian Trap Province: Magmatic and Tectonic Factors in Their Origin

The unique and very large PGE⁻Cu⁻Ni Noril’sk deposits are located within the Siberian trap province, posing a number of questions about the relationship between the ore-forming process and the magmatism that produced the traps. A successful answer to these questions could greatly increase the possibility of discovering new deposits in flood basalt provinces elsewhere. In this contribution, we present new data on volcanic stratigraphy and geochemistry of the magmatic rocks in the key regions of the Siberian trap province (Noril’sk, Taimyr, Maymecha-Kotuy, Kulyumber, Lower Tunguska and Angara) and analyze the structure of the north part of the province. The magmatic rocks of the Arctic zone are characterized by variable MgO (3.6⁻37.2 wt %) and TiO2 (0.8⁻3.9 wt %) contents, Gd/Yb (1.4⁻6.3) and La/Sm (2.0⁻10.4) ratios, and a large range of isotopic compositions. The intrusions in the center of the Tunguska syneclise and Angara syncline have much less variable compositions and correspond to a “typical trap„ with MgO of 5.6⁻7.2 wt %, TiO2 of 1.0⁻1.6 wt %, Gd/Yb ratio of 1.4⁻1.6 and La/Sm ratio of 2.0⁻3.5. This compositional diversity of magmas in the Arctic zone is consistent with their emplacement within the paleo-rift zones. Ore-bearing intrusions (the Noril’sk 1, Talnakh, Kharaelakh) are deep-situated in the Igarka-Noril’sk rift zone, which has three branches, namely the Bolsheavamsky, Dyupkunsky, and Lower Tunguska, that are prospected for discovering new deposits. One possible explanation for the specific position of the PGE⁻Cu⁻Ni deposits is accumulation of sulfides in these long-lived zones from the Neoproterozoic to the Mesozoic era during magmatic and metamorphic processes. Thus, trap magmatism, itself, does not produce large deposits, but mobilizes earlier formed sulfide segregations in addition carrying metals in the original magmas. These deposits are the results of several successive magmatic events, in which emplacement of the traps was the final event

Lewis and Brønsted Acid Induced (3 + 2)-Annulation of Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes to Alkynes: Indene Assembly

(3 + 2)-Annulation of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes to alkynes induced by both Lewis and Brønsted acids has been developed. The reaction provides a rapid approach to functionalized indenes displaying intense visible emission (λ_max = 430 nm, Φ = 0.28–0.34)