Abstract:We propose a new family of achromatic phase shifters for infrared nulling interferometry. These key optical components can be seen as optimized Fresnel rhombs, using the total internal reflection phenomenon, modulated or not. The total internal reflection indeed comes with a phase shift between the polarization components of the incident light. We propose a solution to implement this vectorial phase shift between interferometer arms to provide the destructive interference process needed to disentangle highly contrasted objects from one another. We also show that, modulating the index transition at the total internal reflection interface allows compensating for the intrinsic material dispersion in order to make the subsequent phase shift achromatic over especially broad bands. The modulation can be induced by a thin film of a well-chosen material or a subwavelength grating whose structural parameters are thoroughly optimized. We present results from theoretical simulations together with preliminary fabrication outcomes and measurements for a prototype in Zinc Selenide.
Abstract:The linear chromatic aberration (LCA) of several combinations of polycarbonates (PCs) and poly (methyl methacrylates) (PMMAs) as singlet, hybrid (refractive/diffractive) lenses and doublets operating with wavelengths between 380 and 1600 nm -corresponding to a typical zone of interest of concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) -are compared. Those comparisons show that the maximum theoretical concentration factor for singlets is limited to about 1000 × at normal incidence and that hybrid lenses and refractive doublets present a smaller LCA increasing the concentration factor up to 5000 × and 2 × 10 6 respectively. A new achromatization equation more useful than the Abbé equation is also presented. Finally we determined the ideal position of the focal point as a function of the LCA and the geometric concentration which maximizes the flux on the solar cell.
TNO, in cooperation with Micromega-Dynamics, SRON, Dutch Space and CSL, has developed a compact breadboard cryogenic Optical Delay Line for use in future space interferometry missions. The work is performed under ESA contract in preparation for the DARWIN mission. The breadboard delay line is representative of a future flight mechanism, with all used materials and processes being flight representative. The delay line has a single stage voice coil actuator for Optical Path Difference (OPD) control, driving a two-mirror cat's eye. Magnetic bearings are used for guiding. They provide frictionless and wear free operation with zero-hysteresis. The manufacturing, assembly and acceptance testing have been completed and are reported in this paper. The verification program, including functional testing at 40 K, will start in the final quarter of 2005.
We propose a new family of achromatic phase shifters that uses the modulated total internal reflection (TIR) phenomenon. These components can be seen as enhanced Fresnel rhombs for infrared applications like nulling interferometry and polarimetry. The TIR phenomenon comes with a differential phase shift between the polarization components of the incident light. Modulating the index transition at the TIR interface allows compensating for the intrinsic material dispersion in order to make the subsequent phase shift achromatic over broad bands. The modulation can be induced by a thin film of a well-chosen medium or a subwavelength grating whose parameters are specially optimized. We present results from theoretical simulations together with preliminary fabrication outcomes.
TNO, in co-operation with Micromega-Dynamics, SRON, Dutch Space and CSL, has designed a compact breadboard cryogenic delay line (figure 1) for use in future space interferometry missions. The breadboard (BB) delay line is representative of a flight mechanism. The delay line has a single stage voice coil actuator for Optical Path Difference (OPD) control, driving a two-mirror cat's eye. Magnetic bearings provide frictionless and wear free operation with zerohysteresis. The development test programme, including operation at 100 K has been completed. The verification test programme is currently being carried out by Alcatel Alenia Space (in co-operation with Sageis-CSO) and will include functional testing at 40 K. A short design description and the intermediate results of the verification test programme are reported in this paper.
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