Broadband spectropolarimeter based on spatial heterodyne spectroscopy and channeled polarimetric technique

Abstract

A spectropolarimeter based on spatial heterodyne spectroscopy and the channeled polarimetric technique (SSHSCP) is introduced. The SSHSCP uses a polarization grating for channel modulation, meaning that the Stokes parameter is no longer dependent on the wavenumber; this suppresses channel aliasing considerably and improves the polarization parameter reconstruction accuracy. The SSHSCP’s optical path structure is based on the Mach–Zehnder interferometer, ensuring efficient energy use. The spectral detection and polarization detection principles of the SSHSCP are derived, and a specific design example is presented. Simulations indicate that the SSHSCP can restore the target’s spectral and complete Stokes parameters with high accuracy for a broadband source and narrowband lines. The reconstructed Stokes parameter errors are of the order of 10−3 or less. The SSHSCP acquires spectral and polarization parameters in a single step and has no moving parts in a compact structure.

Keywords

• Spectropolarimeter
• Spatial heterodyne spectroscopy
• Channeled polarimetric technique
• Polarization
• Stokes
• Mach-Zehnder interferometer