Detection ability analysis of ground based imaging polarization detector

A ground based imaging polarization detector for astronomical observation is designed, the working principle is analyzed and the mathematical models of degree of polarization and detection ability of the detector are derived. The SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) and number of phoelectrons needed by the detector are analyzed by simulation with the detection demand of 1% or 2% degree of polarization. Then, the integration time of the detector is calculated when detecting stars with different brightness according to the parameters of the detector we designed. The theoretical basis is given through these results. (C) 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved