Recent Advances in Acousto-Optic Instrumentation for Astronomy

Abstract

We report recent progress and new developments of acousto-optic imaging spectrometers and spectropolarimeters for astronomical observations. Prototype performance of hyperspectral visible-to-near-UV and visible-to-near-IR imaging systems is demonstrated. Wide-angle acousto-optic paratellurite monochromators were designed and fabricated. The problem of artifacts in spectral images of celestial objects is studied.

Possibility of using GLM data for studying plasma phenomena

“…Korablev et al [2016] have analyzed parameters of 11 acousto-optic spacebased spectrometers. New trends in AOF designed for spacecraft are discussed in [Yushkova, et al, 2015]. Kozun et al [2020] plan to transfer the AOF based on the TeO 2 paratellurite crystal from a stratospheric balloon test platform to a low-orbit satellite and to use it for atmospheric remote sensing of aerosol and cloud properties.…”

AOTF-based spectro-polarimeter for observing Earth as an exoplanet

“…AOTFs have advantages over other wavelength dispersive/polarization measurement systems such as they are compact, devoid of any moving parts, and have the ability to carry out rapid scans with good spectral resolution (2 to 3 nm). Hence, AOTFs have been widely used in planetary studies and astronomy 28 , 36 , 53 , 54 . Here, we have proposed an experiment that serves as a compact instrument for studying Earth as an exoplanet in reflected light over a broad spectral range in two orthogonal polarization directions.…”

“…Hence, AOTFs have been widely used in planetary studies and astronomy. 28,36,53,54 Here, we have proposed an experiment that serves as a compact instrument for studying Earth as an exoplanet in reflected light over a broad spectral range in two orthogonal polarization directions. The experiment is designed for observations from the Lunar orbit, which allows capturing all the phase angles of Earth, mimicking the future observations of directly imaged exoplanets.…”