Polarization compensation of Fresnel aberrations in telescopes

Natalie Clark; James B. Breckinridge

doi:10.1117/12.896638

14 September 2011 Polarization compensation of Fresnel aberrations in telescopes

Natalie Clark, James B. Breckinridge

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Proceedings Volume 8146, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts V; 81460O (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.896638
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Large aperture space telescopes are built with low F#'s to accommodate the mechanical constraints of launch vehicles and to reduce resonance frequencies of the on-orbit system. Inherent with these low F# is Fresnel polarization which effects image quality. We present the design and modeling of a nano-structure consisting of birefringent layers. Analysis shows a device that functions across a 400nm bandwidth tunable from 300nm to 1200nm. This Fresnel compensator device has a cross leakage of less than 0.001 retardance.

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Natalie Clark and James B. Breckinridge "Polarization compensation of Fresnel aberrations in telescopes", Proc. SPIE 8146, UV/Optical/IR Space Telescopes and Instruments: Innovative Technologies and Concepts V, 81460O (14 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.896638

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