Experiments with a novel CCD stellar polarimeter

Clarke, D. and Neumayer, D. (2002) Experiments with a novel CCD stellar polarimeter. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 383(1), pp. 360-366. (doi: 10.1051/0004-6361:20011717)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20011717

Abstract

Experiments and observations have been undertaken with "bread-board" equipment to explore the potential of a "ring" stellar polarimeter with a CCD camera, rather than photographic plates used in Treanor's (1968) original instrument. By spreading the polarimetric signal over a large number of pixels on the detector, design prediction suggests that the polarimetric accuracy could be ~Δρ±0.00001 or ±0.001% per frame or even better. Although the photon accumulations suggest that this was achieved, instabilities in the employed crude modulator system provided frame to frame measurements with a greater than expected scatter. Software was developed to reduce the data in a simple way. With a design using more professional components and perhaps with more sophisticated reduction procedures, the full potential of the method should be achievable with the prospect of high precision polarimetry of the brighter stars. As an experimental bonus, the employed CCD chip was found to be free from any measurable polarizational sensitivity.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Clarke, Dr David
Authors: Clarke, D., and Neumayer, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Astronomy and Astrophysics
Publisher:EDP Sciences
ISSN:0004-6361
ISSN (Online):1432-0746
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2002 EDP Sciences
First Published:First published in Astronomy and Astrophysics 383(1):360-366
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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