Abstract
We have studied the interference patterns of multiple reflections from a uni-axial, optically active and non-absorbing plane-parallel plate under oblique incidence. Due to birefringence, a beam of polarized light splits into an ordinary and an extraordinary component. During crossing of the plate the phase difference between beams is increased by fixed amounts. The calculations show that the interference pattern of the transmitted light is more complex than that of an isotropic plane-parallel plate. Strong singlets are followed by weak fringes which exhibit splitting in the form of doublets. The intensity ratio of the strong to the nearest neighbour doublet fringe and the splitting of the fringes depend on reflectivity and are increased at oblique incidence. The interference pattern is determined by the birefringence and is insensitive to the optical activity except in some extreme cases. Investigation of these extreme cases allows the separation of the effect of optical activity from the much stronger birefringence effect. The transmission signal generated by the optical activity is weak, which creates serious difficulties for its practical utilization.
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