LE2Pol : The Leicester dual-beam imaging polarimeter

Wiersema, K and Starling, R L C and Campagnolo, J C N and Thanki, D and McErlean, R (2023) LE2Pol : The Leicester dual-beam imaging polarimeter. RAS Techniques and Instruments, 2 (1). pp. 106-113. ISSN 2752-8200

Abstract

We describe the development, construction, data analysis, initial calibration and first results of LE2Pol, an inexpensive dual-beam optical imaging polarimeter. LE2Pol is designed for a 20 inch telescope at the observatory of the University of Leicester, but can also be used as a visiting instrument on a wide range of small telescopes (≲ 1 m). We show how simple imaging polarimeters on small telescopes can be used to provide useful scientific and educational data at low cost.