The Firefly Interferometer: Spectral Optimisation and Detector-Pattern Discrimination

This companion progress note develops the original Firefly Interferometer proposal in two connected directions: spectral optimisation of the bioluminescent source and quantitative analysis of the external detector pattern. The delivered spectral photon distribution - not perceived colour - is treated as an adjustable experimental variable. The proposed development sequence begins with calibrated artificial sources, proceeds to controlled cell-free beetle luciferase systems, and considers a living bioluminescent source only where justified by the preceding results. No wavelength is assumed in advance to be superior. The detector wall is treated as a complete two-dimensional statistical distribution rather than an image judged by eye. Event-level impact positions and arrival times are evaluated through a frozen and blinded analysis pipeline. Fringe visibility, phase, spacing, envelope width, centroid, asymmetry, transmission and structured residuals are retained as interpretable observables. The methodology includes apparatus-stability controls, Poisson and overdispersed count models, delivered-spectrum calibration, pulse-matched artificial controls and a defined minimum detectable concealed difference. The objective is to determine whether a concealed spectral condition inside the sealed apparatus can be inferred solely from a reproducible change in the accumulated matter-wave detection pattern. No biological or matter-wave interferometry experiment is reported, and no empirical result is claimed. This publication is a separately dated companion to “The Firefly Interferometer: A Calibrated Test of Whether Bioluminescent Light Can Reduce Matter-Wave Interference in a Sealed System,” Version 1.0, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21417578. It develops, qualifies and operationally sharpens the original programme without altering its published file, publication date, DOI or historical record.