Assessing the Efficiency of a Stokes Polarimeter with Different Polarization Analyzers

Abstract

Polarimetric studies in astronomy have currently acquired great importance. They are used to study magnetic fields of stars, determine the orientation of orbits of exoplanets, reflection effects in stellar atmospheres and accretion disks, and many other things. This paper presents a computation of optical arrangements of Stokes polarimeters with different polarization analyzers. A preliminary estimate of the transmission of polarimeters with a Wollastone prism and with a modified Foster prism as polarization analyzers is reported. Transmission estimates were performed for different shapes of rectangular output slits and separations between them in two spectral ranges. Recommendations are provided concerning the use of Wollastone and Foster prisms in Stokes polarimeters designed for astrophysical studies.