Systematic design and validation of an interferometric polarization spectral imager for Jupiter seismology

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Authors: Shanshan Zheng, Su Wu, Zhanjun Ling, Jian Wen, Haisheng Feng, Tao Wang, Lei Yu
Cited by: 0
References: 10

Abstract

Single optical detection methods alone are insufficient to meet the requirements for detecting Jupiter's high-order oscillation modes. In this paper, we present an interferometric polarization spectral imager together with a systematic design methodology that combines material property databases, fringe visibility functions, and phase sensitivity modeling. This approach ensures optical path difference stability across a wide temperature range and optimizes system parameters through global optimization techniques. A prototype instrument has been designed and developed, capable of stably outputting four orthogonal phase images to suppress photometric variations on Jupiter's surface. Laboratory tests confirm the predicted phase sensitivity and validate the calibration procedure, while initial field observations with a 1.6-m telescope demonstrate the feasibility of the end-to-end phase demodulation and velocity retrieval procedure. Beyond planetary seismology, the proposed methodology provides a generalizable framework for designing interferometric velocimetry instruments with high sensitivity and robustness.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing Astronomy and Astrophysical Research Optical Polarization and Ellipsometry

Publication details

Journal / source
Optics Express
Volume
34
Issue
5
Pages
7996–7996
Publication date
11 February 2026
Language
EN