Toward complex visibilities using optical interferometry: Multi-wavelength phase referencing

We report on experiments in multi-wavelength phase referencing using the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI). In these experiments we use the unique capability of the NPOI to simultaneously observe 16 spectral channels covering 512-850 nm on multiple baselines simultaneously. We present observations of the well-known Be star zeta Tauri using custom filters which allow us to isolate the Hot line in a single spectral channel while the other channels observe the stellar continuum. Since the central star is unresolved, we can use the data in the continuum channels to calibrate the spectral line data. Using the phase information recovered in this way, it is possible for the first time to use standard techniques to construct simple images of the line-emitting region around the star.