The polarimetric capabilities of NICMOS

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

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Algorithms, Astronomical Polarimetry, Cameras, Thermal Vacuum Tests, Polarizers, Near Infrared Radiation, Data Reduction, Imaging Spectrometers, Polarized Light, Data Processing, Faint Objects, Nebulae

Scientific paper

The polarimetric capabilities of Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) are demonstrated from data obtained during the Early Release Observations of IRC+10216 and CRL 2688 (the Egg Nebula). Preflight Thermal Vacuum tests revealed that each polarizer has a unique polarizing efficiency, and that the position angle offsets differ from the nominal positions of O deg, 120 deg and 240 deg. Therefore an algorithm different from that of an ideal polarizer is required for proper reduction of astronomical polarimetry data. We discuss this new algorithm and the results of its application to NICMOS data. We also present preliminary estimates of the Instrumental Polarization, the sensitivity of the grisms to polarized light, and the accuracy of NICMOS imaging polarimetry for faint and low polarization objects. Finally, we suggest strategies for maximizing the success of NICMOS polarimetry observations.

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