Techniques And Applications Of Elliptical Polarimetry In Astronomy And Atmospheric Sciences

Robert A. Stokes

doi:10.1117/12.955566

19 October 1977 Techniques And Applications Of Elliptical Polarimetry In Astronomy And Atmospheric Sciences

Robert A. Stokes

Proceedings Volume 0112, Optical Polarimetry: Instrumentation and Applications; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955566
Event: 21st Annual Technical Symposium, 1977, San Diego, United States

Abstract

An astronomical polarimeter is described that uses a photoelastic modulator and digital synchronous detection to measure simultaneously three of the four Stokes' parameters of the incident light. Light polarization by the telescope optics is the only important source of systematic offset error. In a stand-alone portable version a minicomputer is employed for data handling, control, and quick-look Fourier trans-formation of time-series data. A second version being developed for the new Anglo-French telescope interfaces to the telescope's data-handling computer via CAMAC. Results of recent observational programs on the x-ray binary star AM Herculis and atmospheric aerosol are shown to illustrate the instrument's capabilities.

Citation Download Citation

Robert A. Stokes "Techniques And Applications Of Elliptical Polarimetry In Astronomy And Atmospheric Sciences", Proc. SPIE 0112, Optical Polarimetry: Instrumentation and Applications, (19 October 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955566

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