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The polarimetric capabilities of NICMOSThe polarimetric capabilities of Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) are demonstrated from data obtained during the Early Release Observations of IRC+10216 and CRL 2688 (the Egg Nebula). Preflight Thermal Vacuum tests revealed that each polarizer has a unique polarizing efficiency, and that the position angle offsets differ from the nominal positions of O deg, 120 deg and 240 deg. Therefore an algorithm different from that of an ideal polarizer is required for proper reduction of astronomical polarimetry data. We discuss this new algorithm and the results of its application to NICMOS data. We also present preliminary estimates of the Instrumental Polarization, the sensitivity of the grisms to polarized light, and the accuracy of NICMOS imaging polarimetry for faint and low polarization objects. Finally, we suggest strategies for maximizing the success of NICMOS polarimetry observations.
Document ID
19980202057
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hines, D. C.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ United States)
Schmidt, G. D.
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ United States)
Lytle, Dyer
(Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ United States)
Date Acquired
August 18, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: The 1997 HST Calibration Workshop with a New Generation of Instruments
Subject Category
Astronomy
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-3042
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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