• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.90-95
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• 2023

We describe an optimal alignment method for improving accuracy of dynamic spectroscopic polarimeter based on monolithic polarizing interferometer. The dynamic spectroscopic polarimeter enables real-time measurements of spectral ellipsometric parameters by using a spectral carrier frequency concept. However, the non-polarizing beam splitter used in the monolithic polarizing interferometer cannot maintain the polarization state perfectly due to phase retardation caused by optical anisotropic characteristics of the non-polarizing beam splitter, resulting in degraded measurement accuracy. The effect of the beam splitter can be minimized through optimal alignment of the polarizers used in the polarizing interferometer and the analyzer. We demonstrate how much the proposed alignment method can enhance the measurement accuracy by comparing with previous alignment approach.

• Journal of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.15-39
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• 2014

Polarization is a basic property of light and is fundamentally linked to the internal geometry of a source of radiation. Polarimetry complements photometric, spectroscopic, and imaging analyses of sources of radiation and has made possible multiple astrophysical discoveries. In this article I review (i) the physical basics of polarization: electromagnetic waves, photons, and parameterizations; (ii) astrophysical sources of polarization: scattering, synchrotron radiation, active media, and the Zeeman, Goldreich-Kylafis, and Hanle effects, as well as interactions between polarization and matter (like birefringence, Faraday rotation, or the Chandrasekhar-Fermi effect); (iii) observational methodology: on-sky geometry, influence of atmosphere and instrumental polarization, polarization statistics, and observational techniques for radio, optical, and $X/{\gamma}$ wavelengths; and (iv) science cases for astronomical polarimetry: solar and stellar physics, planetary system bodies, interstellar matter, astrobiology, astronomical masers, pulsars, galactic magnetic fields, gamma-ray bursts, active galactic nuclei, and cosmic microwave background radiation.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.57.4-58
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• 2021

Asteroids have undergone various processes such as impacts, space weathering, and thermal evolution. Because they expose their surfaces to space without atmosphere, these evolutional processes have been recorded directly on their surfaces. The remote-sensing observations have been conducted to reveal these evolutional histories of the target asteroids. For example, crater and boulder distributions are unambiguous evidence for past nondestructive impacts with other celestial bodies. Multiband and spectroscopic observations have revealed space-weathering history (as well as compositions). Whereas most physical quantities have been examined intensively using spacecraft and telescopes, only a little has been studied on "the grain size". It is one of the fundamental physical quantities for diagnosing the collisional and thermal history of asteroids. Our group has conducted polarimetric research of asteroids (as well as Moon [1]) to determine the particle size and further investigate the evolutional histories of target asteroids [2],[3]. For example, the existence of regolith on an S-type asteroid, Toutatis, was suggested almost twenty years before space exploration [4]. Moreover, we reported that near-Sun asteroids indicate a signature of submillimeter grains, which could be created by a thermal sintering process by solar radiation [5]. However, it is important to note that in-situ polarimetry has not been reported on the asteroid surface, although the Korean Lunar Exploration Program aims to do polarimetry on the lunar surface [6]. Therefore, it is expected that the polarizer mounted on the Korean Apophis spacecraft can make the first estimate of the grain size and its regional variation over the Apophis surface. In this presentation, we outline research of S-type asteroid surfaces through remote-sensing observations and consider the role of polarimetry. Based on this review, we consider the purpose, potentiality, and strategy of the polarimetry using the onboard device for the Apophis spacecraft. We will report a possible polarization phase curve of Apophis estimated from ordinary chondrites and past observational data of S-type asteroids, taking account of the space weathering effect. Based on this estimation, we will consider the strategy of how to determine the particle size (and space weathering degree) of the Apophis surface. We will also mention the detectability of dust hovering on the surface.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.65-65
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• 2019

Near-Earth objects consist of a mixture of bodies originated from outer solar system and main asteroidal belt, which are recognized as comets and near-Earth asteroids. In principal, they have orbits distinguishable by their orbital elements. It is, however, that some comets are recognized as asteroids because they could have lost the most of volatile materials in their subsurface layers. Due to their asteroidal appearances, it has been challenging to discriminate such dormant comets from a list of known asteroids. Here we propose to utilize polarimetric technique for finding such dormant comets. We thus conducted a polarimetric observations of three candidates of dormant comet nuclei, (331471) 1984 QY1, (3552) Don Quixote and (944) Hidalgo, by using the 1.6-m Pirka Telescope at the Nayoro observatory (operated by Hokkaido University, Japan). We selected these asteroids in comet-like orbits (ACOs) based on the orbital elements (i.e., the Tisserand parameter with respect to Jupiter TJ < 3). We found that 1984 QY1 has a polarimetric albedo (geometric albedo determined via polarimetry) pV = 0.16 +/- 0.06 while both Don Quixote and Hidalgo have Rc-band polarimetric albedos pR < 0.05. In accordance with the polarimetric result together with a dynamical analysis, we surmised that 1984 QY1 could be an S-type asteroid evolved into the current orbit via 3:1 mean motion resonance with Jupiter. On the contrary, the previous spectroscopic studies indicated that Don Quixote and Hidalgo are classified into D-type taxonomic group, which are typical of comet nuclei. In this presentation, we will introduce our polarimetric observations of ACOs and emphasize that polarimetry is powerful for discriminating the asteroidal and cometary origins.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.125.1-125.1
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• 2011

After a short description of the observatory, this presentation will highlight some of the most recent scientific achievements based on CFHT observations and how they benefit from the current instrumentation and novel observing modes proposed to the CFHT users. We will then move to the mid-term future with the development of new spectroscopic capabilities (visible wide-field FTS or near-IR spectro-polarimetry) and the study of a novel wide-field imager in the visible using Ground-Layer AO to provide unprecedented image quality on a large field of view. As an option for the long-term future, the concept of a next generation 10-m class telescope to replace the current CFHT 3.6-m will be described. An emphasis will be given on how CFHT is slowly morphing into an Asia-Pacific Rim observatory and on the role the Korean community could play in such an endeavor, from immediate access to first-class astronomical data to partnering with other nations in exciting developments.