Abstract
In a study by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL), a design concept was developed for a polarimeter on the vector magnetograph of the SAMEX satellite (Solar Activity Measurements Experiments) that would be very sensitive to solar vector magnetic fields. To provide an understanding of how the polarimeter design was selected, a description of the Poincare sphere is presented, along with the instrument scientific requirements. The Poincare sphere is used as a visual technique in describing various polarimeters and the systematic errors associated with them. Analysis of the polarimeter designs to minimize crosstalk between incident circularly polarized light and the linear polarization measurement is stressed. After a polarimeter design is selected, the calibration techniques to determine the systematic errors in the "perfect" polarimeter are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
