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Dispersed single-phase-step Michelson interferometer for Doppler imaging using sunlight
1Department of Astronomy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA. xwan@astro.ufl.edu
Optics Letters
|October 9, 2012
Summary
A novel Michelson interferometer system uses a fiber array-fed spectrograph to create 59 Doppler sensing channels. This instrument achieves high Doppler sensitivity for solar spectral analysis and imaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Solar Physics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Michelson interferometers are crucial for spectral analysis.
- Existing phase-stepping interferometer spectrometers face challenges in multiplexing and data processing.
- Fiber array-fed spectrographs offer enhanced light collection and spectral resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel Michelson interferometer system for Doppler sensing.
- To leverage single-phase-step operation for improved multiplexing and data processing.
- To demonstrate Doppler imaging capabilities using solar light.
Main Methods:
- A Michelson interferometer was coupled with a fiber array-fed spectrograph.
- The system operated in a single-phase-step mode across 59 Doppler sensing channels (510-570 nm).
- Spectral templates and correlation functions were used to determine Doppler shifts from solar spectra.
Main Results:
- The developed system successfully demonstrated Doppler imaging of a rotating cylinder.
- An average Doppler sensitivity of approximately 12 m/s was achieved.
- Individual channels exhibited Doppler sensitivities as high as 5 m/s.
Conclusions:
- The single-phase-step Michelson interferometer spectrometer offers advantages in multiplexing and data processing.
- The system provides sensitive Doppler measurements suitable for solar physics and imaging.
- This approach advances Doppler sensing technology for spectral analysis.
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