Polarimetry with multiple mirror telescopesThe polarizations of multiple mirror telescopes are calculated using Mueller calculus. It is found that the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) produces a constant depolarization that is a function of wavelength and independent of sky position. The efficiency and crosstalk are modeled and experimentally verified. The two- and four-mirror new generation telescopes are found to produce sinusoidal depolarization for which an accurate interpretation of the incident Stokes vector requires inverse matrix calculations. Finally, the depolarization of f/1 paraboloids is calculated and found to be less than 0.1 percent at 3000 A.
Document ID
19870047933
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
West, S. C. (Steward Observatory Tucson, AZ, United States)