On-sky demonstration of dual-field interferometry at the CHARA Array

Abstract

Dual-field interferometry uses a bright reference star for real-time fringe tracking, allowing a second beam combiner to record long coherent integrations on a fainter off-axis science target. At the Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array, we implement this mode using the six-telescope MIRC-X and MYSTIC beam combiners in the H and K bands, respectively. We first demonstrated this capability in summer 2025 on the hierarchical triple $\alpha$~Piscium. MIRC-X tracked component A in the $H$ band, while MYSTIC observed component B in the K band, resolving the 7~mas Ba--Bb subsystem and measuring the relative astrometry of the 1.85~arcsec A--B pair with an uncertainty of 234~$\mu$as. Here, we describe subsequent phase-tracking testing, preliminary sensitivity simulations, and planned instrumental upgrades aimed at extending this mode to faint off-axis science targets.

Presented at 2026 SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation conference, Paper 14148-79