Commissioning and on-sky performance of FiberPol: a fiber-fed spectropolarimetric system for the SAAO 1.9 m telescope

Abstract

At the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), we have developed FiberPol$-$ a spectropolarimetric front-end for the SpUpNIC spectrograph on the 1.9 m telescope fed by fibers. In conjunction with SpUpNIC, it combines two niche techniques: fiber-spectroscopy and polarimetry to enable a wide range of science cases, particularly for studies of the interstellar medium, and serves as a technology pathfinder for implementing polarimetry larger facilities such as the 10 m Southern African Large Telescope. Commissioned in early 2025, FiberPol has already demonstrated key performance benchmarks. Based on a preliminary data reduction pipeline, we find that the uncertainties in the measured Stokes parameters $q$ and $u$, and the degree of polarization $p$ are in the range of 0.2% to 0.3% in 5 nm spectral bins across the 400 to 700 nm wavelength range. With improved calibration and refined analysis, we expect to reach our design goal of 0.1% accuracy per bin. Several science programs are already underway following its successful commissioning. FiberPol employs a Wollaston prism and half wave plate system to analyze linear polarization and extract spectropolarimetric data comprising wavelength ($\lambda$) and the Stokes parameters ($I$, $q$ and $u$). Its compact and modular design uses primarily small, commercially available optical and optomechanical components, making it straightforward to adapt to other spectrographs, including those on larger telescopes. This paper presents the design, laboratory validation, and commissioning results of FiberPol, and outlines planned upgrades to further enhance its scientific impact.