CHARACTERIZATION OF A POLARIZATION-INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION TRAP DETECTOR

A six-element polarization-independent transmission trap detector with coaxial input and output beams has been constructed and fully charact erized. The measured optical parameters are compared with their values , predicted by Fresnel equations. Measured transmittances are in agree ment with the predicted values within 2 x 10(-5) in the wavelength reg ion from 450 to 650 nm. The spectral responsivity of the transmission trap detector is in agreement with the predicted values within 0.035% at 543.5- and 633.0-nm vacuum wavelengths. The spatial uniformity of t he responsivity is +/-0.03% across the active area of approximately 5 x 6 mm(2), measured with a laser beam of 1-mm diameter. The angular un iformity of the transmission trap detector is better than +/- 0.01% fo r +/-3 degrees rotation around two perpendicular axes. (C) 1997 Optica l Society of America.