Wide-field-of-view polarization interference imaging spectrometer

A wide-field-of-view polarization interference imaging spectrometer (WPIIS) based on a modified Savart polariscope, without moving parts, and with a narrow slit has been designed. The primary feature of this device is for use with a large angle of incidence, and the target image as well as the interferogram can be obtained at the same time in the spatial domain and are recorded by a two-dimensional CCD camera. Under compensation, the field of view of the WPIIS will extend 3-5 times as large as a common interference imaging spectrometer, and throughput will raise 1-2 orders of magnitude. The developed optics is 20 x 8 cm circle divide in size. The spectral resolution of the prototype system is 86.8 cm(-1) between 22222.2 and 11111.1 cm(-1). This system has the advantages of being static and ultracompact with wide field of view and a very high throughput. The optics system and especially the wide-field-of-view compensation principle are described, and the experimental result of the interference imaging spectrum is shown. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.