Magazine Article

Modal Filters for Infrared Interferometry

TBMG-5226

05/01/2009

Abstract
Content

Modal filters in the ≈10-μm spectral range have been implemented as planar dielectric waveguides in infrared interferometric applications such as searching for Earth-like planets. When looking for a small, dim object (“Earth”) in close proximity to a large, bright object (“Sun”), the interferometric technique uses beams from two telescopes combined with a 180° phase shift in order to cancel the light from a brighter object. The interferometer baseline can be adjusted so that, at the same time, the light from the dimmer object arrives at the combiner in phase. This light can be detected and its infrared (IR) optical spectra can be studied. The cancellation of light from the “Sun” to ≈106 is required; this is not possible without special devices — modal filters — that equalize the wavefronts arriving from the two telescopes.

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Citation
"Modal Filters for Infrared Interferometry," Mobility Engineering, May 1, 2009.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
May 1, 2009
Product Code
TBMG-5226
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English