Paper
24 July 2014 Polarization considerations for long baseline interferometry
Jason Mudge, Benjamin Johnson, Chad Ogden
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
In building long baseline interferometers with many fold mirrors, the wavefront quality, reflectivity loss, and relative dispersion are not the only issues a designer must contend with. The polarization effects from fold mirrors on light can significantly reduce fringe visibility. However, recognizing a mirror’s polarization effects early can influence interferometer design and minimize fold mirrors polarization effects on fringe visibility. In this article, the polarization effects of various mirrors are provided in a simplified manner providing the optical designer with insight into the ill effects mirrors have on a polarization state. Several possible techniques are described to remedy the polarimetric fringe visibility loss. This understanding can provide designers with the necessary tools to minimize polarization visibility loss for a long baseline interferometer.
© (2014) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Jason Mudge, Benjamin Johnson, and Chad Ogden "Polarization considerations for long baseline interferometry", Proc. SPIE 9146, Optical and Infrared Interferometry IV, 91460R (24 July 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2054770
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KEYWORDS
Mirrors

Polarimetry

Coating

Reflection

Visibility

Silver

Polarization

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