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The fresnel prism as polarization interferometer
Author(s) -
Echarri Rodolfo
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
microwave and optical technology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1098-2760
pISSN - 0895-2477
DOI - 10.1002/mop.4650060706
Subject(s) - optics , interferometry , physics , birefringence , circular polarization , polarization (electrochemistry) , prism , interference (communication) , phase difference , phase (matter) , telecommunications , engineering , chemistry , channel (broadcasting) , microstrip , quantum mechanics
Here we show that a Fresnel prism can be used as a polarization interferometer. A linearly polarized beam, which is incident in this interferometer, is split into two circularly polarized beams, one right and another left, which generate the interference pattern. Interposing a solution of common sugar in the incident beam, the former pattern is shifted because of the circular birefringence of the sugar. Measuring the displacement of the interference pattern, we determine the phase difference between both circular polarizations introduced by the solution. Moreover, we compare this result with that obtained by measuring the rotation power, concluding that they are in good agreement. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.