Field-resolution ratio in multi-aperture imaging

Observatoire Midi Pyrénée, 14 avenue Édouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse, France

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical limit to the field/resolution ratio for the imaging mode of aperture synthesis interferometers. This limit is a function of both the number of apertures in the interferometric array and the dynamic range of the visibility and phase data. It does not depend on the optical setup of the instrument. This work is based on an application of the theory of information.