A compact and robust method for full Stokes spectropolarimetry

Published

August 1, 2012

Author(s)

William Sparks, Thomas Germer, John MacKenty, Frans Snik

Abstract

We present an approach to spectropolarimetry which requires neither moving parts nor time dependent modulation, and which o ers the prospect of achieving high sensitivity. The concept, which is one of those generically known as channeled polarimetry, is to encode the polarization information at each wavelength along the spatial dimension of a 2D data array using static, robust optical components. A single two-dimensional data frame contains the full polarization information and can be configured to measure either two or all of the Stokes polarization parameters. By acquiring full polarimetric information in a single observation, we simplify polarimetry of transient sources and polarimetry in situations where the instrument and target are in relative motion. The robustness and simplicity of the approach, coupled to its potential for high sensitivity, is likely to prove useful for applications in challenging environments such as space.

Citation

Applied Optics

Volume

51

Issue

22

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

astronomy, polarimeter

Citation

Sparks, W. , Germer, T. , MacKenty, J. and Snik, F. (2012), A compact and robust method for full Stokes spectropolarimetry, Applied Optics, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=911231 (Accessed October 15, 2025)