Dynamic calibration of a channeled spectropolarimeter for extended temperature stability

Abstract

Channeled Spectropolarimeters (CHSP) are compact optical instruments that have potential for making precise polarization measurements without any moving parts. While most spectropolarimeters use rotating elements to make measurements, CHSPs use mechanically fixed thick retarders to modulate the Stokes vector onto the spectrum of light. In realistic applications, CHSPs must have calibration algorithms that give stable measurements in a variety of environmental conditions. Previous researchers developed a self-calibration algorithm that uses redundant channel information to compensate temperature-induced phase fluctuations in real-time without any additional reference measurements. In this paper we discuss the stability of the self-calibration technique. We identify a mathematical ambiguity in the algorithm that limits the range of temperatures over which the algorithm is stable. For a 60 lambda:120 lambda channeled spectropolarimeter with quartz retarders, the stable temperature range is only 27 degrees C and is not suitable for many applications outside of the laboratory. We propose and demonstrate a modified algorithm that uses the slope of the phase to remove the mathematical ambiguity and extend the temperature range of the system. The demonstration shows stable operation over a 41 degrees C temperature range and shows promise for increasing stability over a temperature range suitable for extreme terrestrial conditions.