Concept for a miniature solar magnetograph

Abstract

We present a novel concept for a solar magnetograph that uses a photo- refractive crystal to reflect and focus the light from the wings of many spectral lines onto a camera. The crystal acts simultaneously as multiple, narrow-band filters and as an off- axis telescope. Polarization measurements are performed close to the final focus. Since this approach uses the light from many spectral lines simultaneously, the required telescope aperture is substantially reduced and exposure times can be so short that accurate tracking is not necessary. Such a concept is particularly attractive for NASA’s Minimum Solar Mission where very compact, light-weight instruments are required.

Publication
procspie