A new configuration of polarization-rotating dual-beam interferometer for space use

This paper presents a new configuration of quasi-optical polarization-rotating dual-beam interferometer, which uses a pair of frequency-selective polarizers (FSPs) consisting of a wire-grid placed in front of a flat mirror, and has a function similar to the conventional Martin-Puplett interferometer (MPI). Advantages of this new configuration over the conventional MPI are lower residual reflection at the input and output ports and suitability to fixed-tuned applications. An experiment has shown it to have an MPI-like frequency characteristic as calculated. Careful machining was successful in achieving accuracy needed for a specified filter characteristic. This FSP-based quasi-optical device is to be used as a sideband separator in a space-borne submillimeter receiver for atmospheric research.