Optimization of a one dimensional hypertelescope for a direct imaging in astronomy

We describe an application of nonlinear optimization in interferometric optical astronomy. The aim is to find the relative positions of the output pupils and the modulus of the beams through each pupil of a linear array of telescopes in order to design an instrument capable of imaging exoplanets. The problem is modelized under the form of a semi-infinite nonlinear minimization problem. The model problem is transformed by a simple discretization into a minimization problem with a finite number of constraints, then it is solved by using a minimization solver. Numerical experiments are reported. ! 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.