TY - JOUR
T1 - The hertz/VPM polarimeter
T2 - Design and first light observations
AU - Krejny, Megan
AU - Chuss, David
AU - D'Aubigny, Christian Drouet
AU - Golish, Dathon
AU - Houde, Martin
AU - Hui, Howard
AU - Kulesa, Craig
AU - Loewenstein, Robert F.
AU - Moseley, S. Harvey
AU - Novak, Giles
AU - Voellmer, George
AU - Walker, Chris
AU - Wollack, Ed
PY - 2008/8/20
Y1 - 2008/8/20
N2 - We present first results of Hertz/VPM, the first submillimeter polarimeter employing the dual Variable-delay Polarization Modulator (dual-VPM). This device differs from previously used polarization modulators in that it operates in translation, rather than mechanical rotation. We discuss the basic theory behind this device and its potential advantages over the commonly used half-wave plate. The dual-VPM was tested both at the Submillimeter Telescope Observatory and in the laboratory. In each case we present a detailed description of the setup. We discovered that properties of the VPM wire grids (diameter and spacing) caused behavior that differs from theoretical predictions for ideal wire grid performance. By modifying the polarimeter settings to compensate for this behavior, we found that the dual-VPM system is robust, operating with high efficiency and low instrumental polarization. This device is well suited for air- and space-borne applications.
AB - We present first results of Hertz/VPM, the first submillimeter polarimeter employing the dual Variable-delay Polarization Modulator (dual-VPM). This device differs from previously used polarization modulators in that it operates in translation, rather than mechanical rotation. We discuss the basic theory behind this device and its potential advantages over the commonly used half-wave plate. The dual-VPM was tested both at the Submillimeter Telescope Observatory and in the laboratory. In each case we present a detailed description of the setup. We discovered that properties of the VPM wire grids (diameter and spacing) caused behavior that differs from theoretical predictions for ideal wire grid performance. By modifying the polarimeter settings to compensate for this behavior, we found that the dual-VPM system is robust, operating with high efficiency and low instrumental polarization. This device is well suited for air- and space-borne applications.
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U2 - 10.1364/AO.47.004429
DO - 10.1364/AO.47.004429
M3 - Article
C2 - 18716650
AN - SCOPUS:53549115350
SN - 1559-128X
VL - 47
SP - 4429
EP - 4440
JO - Applied optics
JF - Applied optics
IS - 24
ER -