A new frontier for J-band interferometry: Dual-band NIR interferometry with MIRC-X

Abstract

This is the final version. Available from SPIE via the DOI in this recordSPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation conference 2020. Online OnlyIn this contribution we report on our work to increase the spectral range of the Michigan Infrared Combiner- eXeter (MIRC-X) instrument at the CHARA array to allow for dual H and J band interferometric observations. We comment on the key science drivers behind this project and the methods of characterisation and correction of instrumental birefringence and dispersion. In addition, we report on the first results from on-sky commissioning in November 2019.Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)European Research Council (ERC)NASANational Science Foundation (NSF