Performance verification results for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer (MROI)

The Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer has been designed to deliver an unprecedented capability for model-independent imaging of faint astronomical targets. As a consequence, its design methodology has focused on optimizing the interferometric sensitivity of all of its opto-mechanical subsystems. We report here on initial testing of one of the MROI beam-trains, outlining the performance metrics utilized to characterize the elements of the optical train from the Unit Telescopes through to the MROI beam combiner tables, the tests performed on each subsystem, and how our results compare to the design error budget for the MROI. The impact of the tests on the initial sensitivity limit of the MROI are discussed.