INTERFEROMETRIC CONNECTION OF LARGE GROUND-BASED TELESCOPES

In this article, we argue that the recent advent of two technological breakthroughs in the field of Optics, namely the development of Adapti ve Optics and of infrared single-mode fibers, is likely to modify our conception of astronomical interferometry at optical wavelengths. In p articular, it should become possible to realize the coherent combinati on of the giant telescopes that tend to cluster at the best ground-bas ed astronomical sites. Although more limited in their scope than the d edicated interferometric systems, these potential arrays could achieve impressive performances in terms of sensitivity and angular resolutio n. As an example, we discuss in more details the case of a Mauna Kea c luster of large telescopes.