Application of the Sénarmont Polariscope to Analysis of Optical Maser Light

Abstract

A Sénarmont polariscope suitable for optical maser work has been constructed. It employs an optically active wedge and an analyzing polarizer to map the azimuthal angle onto a linear field, indicating this angle by null positions on a photographic plate. It measures the azimuth of linearly polarized light over a range of 180° with an accuracy at present of ±1.5° and distinguishes between right and left circularly polarized light. This device is compact and relatively inexpensive; it requires no auxiliary electronic apparatus.