The Future of Ground-Based Optical Interferometry

Abstract.

Optical interferometry in astronomy has demonstrated in the last decade its scientific productivity and is now reaching maturity. Numerous interferometers exist throughout the world, but the new century opens with giant telescopes ready to operate as optical interferometers of unprecedented sensitivity. Along with extrasolar planets and circumstellar environments, active galactic nuclei are one of the most important field where existing interferometers are expected to bring new results, able to reveal the 0.1-10 pc inner structure on tens of these objects. New proposals are emerging: new generation interferometers for ground-based interferometry; coherent combination of the Mauna Kea (Hawaii) telescopes using optical fibers coupling (OHANA project); extension of the sub-millimetric ALMA array to the mid-infrared. All these projects would have a direct impact on active galactic nuclei studies. Is the future of optical interferometry on the ground or in space, where several missions are in preparation?