Retardation Mapping System for Astronomical Mirrors

To meet the optical resolution requirements of the mirrors to be used in the Habitable Worlds Observatory (WHO), the birefringence of the mirrors must have a polarization birefringence uniformity on the order of 1% over their full aperture. The proposed work will develop a technology for measuring the birefringence across the 250 nm to 1000 nm wavelength range on non-planar mirrors. This will be achieve though a series of customization and upgrades to Axometrics' existing AxoScan™ product line. The function will primarily cover the required R&D labor for designing new optical retarders and detectors, extending the wavelength range of our light source, integrating the system, and performing measurements. The primary Phase I effort deliverable will be a series of test measurements performed on mirror samples provided by NASA.