Interferometer


An interferometer is a device that uses the interference of light waves to make precise measurements. In space and astronautical engineering, interferometers are used for a variety of purposes, including measuring the distance between two objects, detecting gravitational waves, and studying the properties of stars and other celestial bodies. Interferometers can be ground-based or space-based, and can operate at a range of wavelengths, from radio waves to X-rays. They typically consist of two or more mirrors or other reflective surfaces that split a beam of light and then recombine it, creating an interference pattern that can be analyzed to extract information about the object being studied.


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