Optical High-resolution Spectrometers for Polar Investigations: High-luminosity, Ruggedness and Micro-power

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This Polar Instrumentation and Technology Development (PITD) Project promises to develop several novel electro-optical instruments for atmospheric research. The goal is to produce high-luminosity, rugged and reliable instruments suitable for unattended use in polar regions. The devices will be based on the principles of Fabry-Perot interferometers which have the usual etalon gap made of an electro-optic material such as lithium niobate, which changes its effective optical thickness when an electric field is applied. The specific instruments to be developed are: a rugged, enhanced-luminosity, high resolution Fabry-Perot spectrometer; a spectrally agile filter; and a double etalon modulator. These instruments, if successfully built, should find wide application in many areas.