A Spectrum Scanning Stokes Polarimeter

Thomas G. Baur; Lewis L. House

doi:10.1117/12.955565

19 October 1977 A Spectrum Scanning Stokes Polarimeter

Thomas G. Baur, Lewis L. House

Proceedings Volume 0112, Optical Polarimetry: Instrumentation and Applications; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955565
Event: 21st Annual Technical Symposium, 1977, San Diego, United States

Abstract

A photoelectric polarimeter for measuring solar spectral line profiles in all four Stokes parameters has been built and operates on a 40 cm coronagraph in a joint project with Sacramento Peak Observatory. A description of the optical and electronic systems and the calibration scheme is presented. Performance parameters determined from observations are also given. The polarimeter package consisting of a pair of KDP's, a quarter wave plate, and a polarizing beam splitter is located at the prime focus of the coronograph. Modulation of the KDP's encodes polarization information into intensity signals that are electronically detected. The scanning of the spectrum, accomplished by rotating the grating, permits Stokes line profiles to be recorded on magnetic tape for processing. The instrument can be used to scan any line from 3900 to 7000Å with a spectral resolution of .01Å. Polarizations as small as .001 percent are detectable. The polarimeter and observing system are computer controlled.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas G. Baur and Lewis L. House "A Spectrum Scanning Stokes Polarimeter", Proc. SPIE 0112, Optical Polarimetry: Instrumentation and Applications, (19 October 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955565

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