Design of a mid-IR polarimeter for SOFIA

C. Packham; M. Escuti; G. Boreman; I Quijano; J. C. Ginn; B. Franklin; D. J. Axon; J. H. Hough; T. J. Jones; P. F. Roche; M. Tamura; C. M. Telesco; N. Levenson; J. M. Rodgers; J. P. McGuire

doi:10.1117/12.789843

9 July 2008 Design of a mid-IR polarimeter for SOFIA

C. Packham, M. Escuti, G. Boreman, I Quijano, J. C. Ginn, B. Franklin, D. J. Axon, J. H. Hough, T. J. Jones, P. F. Roche, M. Tamura, C. M. Telesco, N. Levenson, J. M. Rodgers, J. P. McGuire

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II; 70142H (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789843
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

Mid-infrared polarimetry remains an underexploited technique; where available it is limited in spectral coverage from the ground, and conspicuously absent from the Spitzer, JWST and Herschel instrument suites. The unique characteristics of SOFIA afford unprecedented spectral coverage and sensitivity in the mid-infrared waveband. We discuss the preliminary optical design for a 5-40μm spectro-polarimeter for use on SOFIA, the SOFIA Mid-InfraRed Polarimeter (SMIRPh). The design furthers the existing 5-40μm imaging and spectroscopic capabilities of SOFIA, and draws on experience gained through the University of Florida's mid-IR imagers, spectrometer and polarimeter designs of T-ReCS and CanariCam. We pay special attention to the challenges of obtaining polarimetric materials suitable at both these wavelengths and cryogenic temperatures. Finally, we (briefly) present an overview of science highlights that could be performed from a 5-40μm imaging- and spectro-polarimeter on SOFIA. Combined with the synergy between the possible future far-IR polarimeter, Hale, this instrument would provide the SOFIA community with unique and exciting science capabilities, leaving a unique scientific legacy.

Citation Download Citation

C. Packham, M. Escuti, G. Boreman, I Quijano, J. C. Ginn, B. Franklin, D. J. Axon, J. H. Hough, T. J. Jones, P. F. Roche, M. Tamura, C. M. Telesco, N. Levenson, J. M. Rodgers, and J. P. McGuire "Design of a mid-IR polarimeter for SOFIA", Proc. SPIE 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II, 70142H (9 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789843

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available