New techniques in ultraviolet astronomical polarimetry: wide-field imaging and far-ultraviolet spectropolarimetry

Kenneth H. Nordsieck; Pamela Marcum; Kurt P. Jaehnig; Donald E. Michalski

doi:10.1117/12.168586

Translator Disclaimer

15 February 1994 New techniques in ultraviolet astronomical polarimetry: wide-field imaging and far-ultraviolet spectropolarimetry

Kenneth H. Nordsieck, Pamela Marcum, Kurt P. Jaehnig, Donald E. Michalski

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2010, X-Ray and Ultraviolet Polarimetry; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.168586
Event: SPIE's 1993 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1993, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Two sounding rockets payloads under development at the Space Astronomy Laboratory are intended to explore different forms of ultraviolet astronomical polarimetry as a follow-up to the successful mission of the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE). The unknown territory of diffuse-object ultraviolet polarimetry is to be explored by the Wide- Field Imaging Survey Polarimeter (WISP). WISP is a quite unusual integrated fast telescope/polarimeter optimized for the wavelengths 135 - 260 nm. The first WISP flight is scheduled for Fall 1993, targeting the Pleiades reflection nebula. Just in its early development is another sounding rocket payload, the Far-Ultraviolet Spectropolarimeter. This instrument is to have a resolution of better than 0.1 nm and a spectral coverage from 105 to 145 nm. It will consist of a 0.4 m parabolic primary with polarimetric optics at the prime focus and a far ultraviolet spectrometer. The polarimetric analyzer will be a thin stressed-LiF waveplate, followed by a diamond Brewster-angle polarizer.

Citation Download Citation

Kenneth H. Nordsieck, Pamela Marcum, Kurt P. Jaehnig, and Donald E. Michalski "New techniques in ultraviolet astronomical polarimetry: wide-field imaging and far-ultraviolet spectropolarimetry", Proc. SPIE 2010, X-Ray and Ultraviolet Polarimetry, (15 February 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.168586

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE