A static polarization imaging spectrometer based on a Savart polariscope

This paper describes the design of an interference imaging spectrometer. A static Polarization Imaging Spectrometer (PIS) based on a single Savart polariscope has been developed. It produces the interferogram and target's image in the spatial domain which are recorded by using a two-dimensional (2D) CCD detector. Imaging lens localizes the interference fringes and target's image coincident with the plane of detector, thereby facilitating an extremely compact design. The spectrum of the input light is reconstructed through the Fourier-transform of the interferogram. The total optics is as small as 20 x 6 cm phi in size and the spectral resolution of the prototype system is 97.66 cm(-1) between 25,000 and 10, 000 cm(-1). The polarization interference imaging device has advantages of ultra-compact size, wide field of view, high throughput and without any moving parts. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.