Fiber-Based Interferometry and Imaging

Single-mode optical fibers are playing an increasing role in astronomical interferometry, e.g., in high-accuracy visibility measurements and in nulling interferometry. However, such observing modes typically involve only small numbers of fibers. On the other hand, some recently proposed observing techniques call for arrays of single mode fibers coupled to arrays of sub-apertures within a large telescope pupil. The concepts include pupil-masked visibility measurements (nonredundant masking), pupil-sheared nulling interferometry, and coronagraphic imaging using a fiber-linked phased-array of small optical telescopes. The latter arrangement may also be relevant to optical communications. Here we provide an overview of a number of recent novel applications of single-mode fibers and single-mode fiber arrays.