PEPPER: polarization-encoding differential photometer and polarimeter

Catarina C. Ubach; R. A. Chipman; Dan E. Potter

doi:10.1117/12.829985

11 August 2009 PEPPER: polarization-encoding differential photometer and polarimeter

Catarina C. Ubach, R. A. Chipman, Dan E. Potter

Proceedings Volume 7461, Polarization Science and Remote Sensing IV; 74610R (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.829985
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

PEPPER is a high-speed differential Polarization-Encoded Photometer and Polarimeter developed in the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics at the University of Arizona, Tucson, by Dr. Dan Potter and Matthew Graham. PEPPER is capable of acting as a high-speed polarimeter by using electro-optical switching to chop between standard star and target star, and between in and out-feature bandpass filter at frequencies fast enough to suppress atmospheric variations. PEPPER is capable of either high-speed polarimetry or differential photometry using a combination of simultaneous imaging and electro-optical switching. In the differential photometry mode, PEPPER utilizes the electro-optical switching to calibrate instrumental and atmospheric photometric variation. This technique coupled with a zero-read noise photon counting detector achieves photon noise limited results demonstrated to an accuracy of less than 1 part in 10⁵. Herein we present the design concept behind the photometer and the polarimeter mode of PEPPER, as well as, results from observations in the differential photometer mode at the Steward 90 inch telescope, at the Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tucson, Arizona. Results from the analysis of near IR polarimetry observations of young stars with circumstellar disks taken at the Gemini North Telescope with the Hokupa'a adaptive optics system are also presented.

Citation Download Citation

Catarina C. Ubach, R. A. Chipman, and Dan E. Potter "PEPPER: polarization-encoding differential photometer and polarimeter", Proc. SPIE 7461, Polarization Science and Remote Sensing IV, 74610R (11 August 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.829985

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