Polarimetry research at the University of Florida

Abstract

The advent of large ( or larger) telescopes along with the new breed of mid-IR instrumentation opens a new window to diffraction-limited investigations of the nature of faint or crowded field astronomical objects at mid-IR wavelengths, such as young stars or dust enshrouded AGN. CanariCam, nearing completion at the University of Florida for the GranTeCan telescope, will offer for the first time in the mid-IR, a dual beam polarimetry mode. We also discuss the capabilities of the University of Florida's laboratory for polarimetric simulations of light scattering by dust particles.