Polarimeter

One of the issues with the new polarimeter is where to place it. Having it in the beam is not a problem but to get it into and out of the beam mechanically, and more importantly to park it outside the beam when it is not in use without causing significant vignetting of the telescope beam.

Possible parking positions were defined using a LEGO model of the polarising unit based on projected sized defined by Prof. Nikolai Piskunov (Uppsala University). Results of the tests can be seen at

http://www.not.iac.es/instruments/fies/images+drawings/legopol/

We hope to receive, install and commission the polarimeter in the near future.