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Paper: The Mid-IR Interferometer VLTI/MIDI and the Study of Hot Star Disks
Volume: 337, The Nature and Evolution of Disks Around Hot Stars
Page: 225
Authors: Chesneau, O.; Waters, L.B.F.M.; Leinert, Ch.; Stee, Ph.; Meilland, A.; van Boekel, R.; Min, M.
Abstract: The Mid-IR interferometric instrument MIDI on the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) in June 2003 allows interferometric observations over the 8 μm-13 μm wavelength range, with a spatial resolution ranging from 5 to 20 milliarcsec, a spectral resolution of 30 and 250, and a point source sensitivity better than N = 4 mag (1 Jy). The instrument is particularly well suited to the study of dust shells and disks. It is able to resolve the location and geometry of the dusty circumstellar environment of bright hot stars, and to study spatially and spectrally the innermost regions where dust survives. In a few scientific nights, MIDI has already provided beautiful results concerning disks around hot stars, ranging from Herbig AeBe stars to the famous LBV Eta Car. In particular, for the first time studies of the chemical composition of the dust near and far from the central source in Herbig AeBe stars, B[e] stars and LBVs are possible.
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