Imaging Spectro-Polarimetry

The field of imaging spectro-polarimetry combines imaging-polarimetry with spectroscopy. Polarimetry measures the variation of the vibration planes of the electromagnetic waves and spectroscopy measures the wavelength/frequency content of the light. By this innovative approach, a data-hypercube will simultaneously give access to spatial, spectral, and polarimetric information of an observed target. Besides, specific algorithms are developed to interpret the complex set of information and make them valuable for science. Therefore, numerous upcoming space missions intend to use it for Earth and planetary observations but also for solar physics and massive star investigations.

The Space Instrumentation section develops a research domain that includes the conception, the experimental breadboarding, and the implementation into space of static imaging spectro-polarimetry. The main advantage of our concept is its extreme compactness and the absence of movable parts. Aside from the scientific usage in astronomy and remote sensing, this type of instrument may have a highly valuable societal contribution if adapted to fields such as medicine and biology.

Polarization spectroscopy is also an essential tool to analyze the interaction of light with life compounds. This can be used to characterize the vegetation on Earth and even to detect the presence of life elsewhere in the universe.