Abstract
We report laboratory and telescopic observations with a polarimetric spectral imager based on an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) where we demonstrate simultaneous acquisition of orthogonally polarized images at a spectral resolving power on the order of 103 and at a Rayleigh criterion spatial resolution of 100 line pairs per mm. This matches the spatial resolution of most digital arrays. An AOTF is shown to be usable as a fast shutter with a contrast of over 104 on a sub-millisecond time scale while providing an high transmittance of about 75% (both polarizations summed) when illuminated by white light. The polarization contrast between the orthogonally polarized images exceeds 104 across the field of view, permitting accurate measurement of the polarization parameters of incident light. These characteristics are now being used in a program of high spatial resolution imaging in narrow spectral bands. Some peculiarities and limitations of AOTFs are indicated.
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This research was supported by NASA under Grant NAGW-122 and under contract with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory under NASA grant NAS 7-918.
Visiting Astronomer, Mauna Kea Observatory.
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Hayden Smith, W., Smith, K.M. A polarimetric spectral imager using acousto-optic tunable filters. Exp Astron 1, 329–343 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00454329
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00454329