Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-04-09
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
15 pages; accepted to PASP
Scientific paper
10.1086/588153
We have upgraded IRCAL, the near-infrared science camera of the Lick Observatory adaptive optics system, to add a dual-channel imaging polarimetry mode. This mode uses an optically contacted YLF (LiYF_4) Wollaston prism to provide simultaneous images in perpendicular linear polarizations, providing high resolution, high dynamic range polarimetry in the near infrared. We describe the design and construction of the polarimeter, discuss in detail the data reduction algorithms adopted, and evaluate the instrument's on-the-sky performance. The IRCAL polarimeter is capable of reducing the stellar PSF halo by about two orders of magnitude, thereby increasing contrast for studies of faint circumstellar dust-scattered light. We discuss the various factors that limit the achieved contrast, and present lessons applicable to future high contrast imaging polarimeters.
Graham James R.
Lloyd James P.
Perrin Marshall D.
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