Abstract

Image centroiding is the traditional way to measure star positions for astrometry. Interferometry is a way to obtain higher one-dimensional resolution with equal total photon collecting area than is obtained with a circular unobscured aperture. Interferometry is now being proposed as a better way to measure star positions. We have examined both methods and find that the comparison of the two methods is dependent upon the spatial and temporal photon statistics involved.

© 1986 Optical Society of America