Advanced Stokes polarimeter: a new instrument for solar magnetic field research

David F. Elmore; Bruce W. Lites; Steven Tomczyk; Andrew Skumanich; Richard B. Dunn; Jeffrey A. Schuenke; Kim V. Streander; Terry W. Leach; C. W. Chambellan; Howard K. Hull; L. B. Lacey

doi:10.1117/12.138795

11 December 1992 Advanced Stokes polarimeter: a new instrument for solar magnetic field research

David F. Elmore, Bruce W. Lites, Steven Tomczyk, Andrew Skumanich, Richard B. Dunn, Jeffrey A. Schuenke, Kim V. Streander, Terry W. Leach, C. W. Chambellan, Howard K. Hull, L. B. Lacey

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1746, Polarization Analysis and Measurement; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138795
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A new Stokes polarimeter for high spatial resolution quantitative measurement of magnetic fields at multiple heights in the solar atmosphere has been constructed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the National Solar Observatory. The instrument uses the Vacuum Tower Telescope at Sunspot, New Mexico, and its existing horizontal spectrograph, universal birefringment filter, and image motion stabilization system. The polarimeter uses a rotating retarder polarization modulator with polarization calibration optics. Multiple paired CCDs are used for detection followed by video processing to produce spatial maps of the full state of polarization in restricted regions of the solar spectrum. Two spectral regions encompassing lines sensitive to the Zeeman effect, which form in the photosphere and low chromosphere, are recorded simultaneously. Significant developments include: construction of the new telescope post focus optical arrangement, creation of a polarization model for the telescope, construction of high-speed, low-noise solid state cameras, and construction of computer hardware for receiving and processing high-rate 12-bit digital data.

Citation Download Citation

David F. Elmore, Bruce W. Lites, Steven Tomczyk, Andrew Skumanich, Richard B. Dunn, Jeffrey A. Schuenke, Kim V. Streander, Terry W. Leach, C. W. Chambellan, Howard K. Hull, and L. B. Lacey "Advanced Stokes polarimeter: a new instrument for solar magnetic field research", Proc. SPIE 1746, Polarization Analysis and Measurement, (11 December 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138795

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