LE2Pol: the Leicester dual-beam imaging polarimeter. Issue 1 (15th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wiersema, K; Starling, R L C; Campagnolo, J C N; Thanki, D; McErlean, R
• Is Part Of: RAS techniques and instruments. Volume 2:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 106
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2023-02-15
• Subjects: instrumentation: polarimeters -- polarization; Astronomical instruments -- Periodicals; Astronomy -- Technique -- Periodicals; Astronomy -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 522
• DOI: 10.1093/rasti/rzad005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2752-8200

Abstract

Abstract: We describe the development, construction, data analysis, initial calibration, and first results of the Leicester dual-beam imaging polarimeter (LE2Pol), an inexpensive dual-beam optical imaging polarimeter. LE2Pol is designed for a 20-inch telescope at the observatory of the University of Leicester, but can also be used as a visiting instrument on a wide range of small telescopes (≲1 m). We show how simple imaging polarimeters on small telescopes can be used to provide useful scientific and educational data at low cost.