title: A translational polarization rotator.
abstract: We explore a free-space polarization modulator in which a variable phase is introduced between the right- and left-handed circular polarization components and used to rotate the linear polarization of the outgoing beam relative to that of the incoming beam. In this device, the polarization states are separated by a circular polarizer that consists of a quarter-wave plate in combination with a wire grid. A movable mirror is positioned behind and parallel to the circular polarizer. As the polarizer-mirror distance is changed, an incident linear polarization will be rotated through an angle that is proportional to the introduced phase delay. We demonstrate a prototype device that modulates Stokes Q and U over a 20% bandwidth, from 77 to 94 GHz.
authors.affiliation: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA. David.T.Chuss@nasa.gov
authors.forename: David T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Chuss
authors.forename: Edward J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Wollack
authors.forename: Giampaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pisano
authors.forename: Sheridan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ackiss
authors.forename: Kongpop
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: U-Yen
authors.forename: Ming wah
authors.initials: Mw
authors.lastname: Ng