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D.T. Chuss, D.J. Benford, S.H. Moseley, J.G. Staguhn, G.M. Voellmer, E.J. Wollack (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center), M. Krejny, G. Novak (Northwestern University), C.Y. Drouet d'Aubigny, D. Golish, A. Hedden, C. Kulesa, C. Walker (University of Arizona), R.F. Loewenstein (University of Chicago)
We describe the development effort currently underway to integrate Variable-delay Polarization Modulators (VPMs) into a ground-based submillimeter polarimeter. VPMs allow the modulation of a polarized source by controlling the phase difference between two linear orthogonal polarizations. Such modulators have the following advantages over traditional modulators such as wave plates: 1. VPMs can be used to measure both circular and linear polarization, 2. VPMs are intrinsically capable of broadband, multi-frequency operation, and 3. The small, linear motions required to operate VPMs allows the use of frictionless bearings, making them potentially more durable than rotating wave plate systems. A pair of VPMs is currently under development to be used in a 350 micron polarimetery system at the University of Arizona’s SMTO. We will describe the polarimeter, present laboratory test data on the modulators, and report on the progress of the instrument. First light is anticipated in February 2006. This work has been funded through NASA award APRA04-0077-0150.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: David.T.Chuss@nasa.gov
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #4
© 2005. The American Astronomical Soceity.