Abstract
We have measured the linear polarization induced in a beam of submillimeter radiation when it is obliquely reflected by a flat mirror made of aluminum alloy. For angles of incidence in the range 15-45, we measured induced polarizations in the range 0.05%-0.25%. Our measurements are within a factor of 2 of theoretical predictions. We conclude that astronomical telescopes that incorporate oblique reflections from good conductors will not introduce spurious polarizations large enough to cause significant problems for submillimeter polarimetric observations.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6643-6647 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Applied optics |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 28 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 1 1998 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Engineering (miscellaneous)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering