Proposal for a temporal version of a hypertelescope

Aims.We propose a new version of hypertelescope devoted to high-resolution direct imaging. Methods.By using a temporal versus spatial optical-path modulation in a multi-aperture interferometer, we show that the beam densification process can be similarly achieved in the time domain giving rise to a good reconfiguration versatility. Reducing the span of optical modulations allows us to convert this instrument into a nulling interferometer. Results.This new experimental configuration allows an easy and versatile recombination reconfiguration for a ground or space instrument and answers the problem of the variable spatial Fourier spectrum sampling either with a ground-based observation or for a pupil reconfiguration for a space mission