Stellar polarimetry / by David Clarke.

Front Matter -- History ₆ Mathematics ₆ Instruments ₆ Observational Procedures ₆ Polarigenic Mechanisms. Part Introduction -- Introduction and History -- The Polarization Ellipse -- The Algebra of Polarization -- The Stokes Parameters -- Polarization Statistics and Data Treatment -- The Basics of Polarimetric Elements -- Pre-Measurement Distortions -- Polarimetric Principles and Instruments -- Some Polarigenic Mechanisms -- The Interstellar Medium ₆ Binary Stars ₆ Early and Late Type Stars ₆ Variable Stars. Part Introduction -- Interstellar Polarization -- Binary Stars -- Stars with Magnetic Fields -- Early-Type Stars -- Late-Type Stars -- General Stellar Variability -- Appendices. Appendix A: The Fresnel Laws -- Appendix B: Papers of the Series -- Appendix C: Reference Abbreviations -- Acknowledgements -- Author Index -- Cited Stars/Objects -- General Index.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Print version record.

Written by an experienced teacher and author, this must-have source for work with polarimetric equipment and polarimetry in astronomy conveys the knowledge of the technology and techniques needed to measure and interpret polarizations. As such, this monograph offers a brief introduction and refresher, while also covering in detail statistics and data treatment as well as telescope optics. For astronomers, physicists and those working in the optical industry.