Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1978
Abstract
The mechanical rotation of an optical element around the axis of a beam of polarized light can be easily simulated by using the phenomenon of optical rotation. Because optical rotation can be magnetically or electrically induced, virtually any kind of mechanical rotation can be mimicked. This interesting principle is applied to the design of a new Fourier photopolarimeter that uses an oscillating-azimuth retarder (OAR). The OAR consists of a quarter-wave plate surrounded by two ac-excited Faraday cells that produce equal and opposite sinusoidal optical rotations. Analysis of the operation of this polarimeter of no moving parts proves its ability to measure all four Stokes parameters of incident partially polarized radiation.
Journal Name
Journal of the Optical Society of America (1917-1983)
Recommended Citation
R. M. A. Azzam, "Simulation of mechanical rotation by optical rotation: Application to the design of a new Fourier photopolarimeter," J. Opt. Soc. Am. 68, 518-521 (1978)
Comments
This paper was published in Journal of the Optical Society of America (1917-1983) and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/josa/abstract.cfm?URI=josa-68-4-518. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.