<i>SearchCal</i>: a Virtual Observatory tool for searching calibrators in optical long-baseline interferometry

Abstract

Context. In long-baseline interferometry, images or astrophysical parameters are obtained from the raw fringe contrast after a careful calibration process. We have already developed the software (SearchCal) to select suitable bright calibration stars (V ≤ 10; K ≤ 5.0) for obtaining the ultimate precision of current interferometric instruments like the VLTI. With the expected gain in sensitivity of AMBER and PRIMA on the VLTI, the need for fainter calibrators should now be adressed.