Abstract
Factors limiting the sensitivity of measurement obtainable with polarimetric instrumentation are discussed, with particular emphasis on modulation methods and the special problems associated with a coherent light source. Under optimum conditions the peak noise level of a Faraday-effect polarimeter with a He-Ne laser source has been found to be as low as ± 0.05 second of arc. The addition of quartz wedge units enables lateral displacements and departures from straightness to be measured and a system is described that possesses low sensitivity to laser beam direction changes and air turbulence. Profile measurements on a silica bar using this polarimetric system and measurements by precise Fizeau interferometry have agreed to better than 0.2 um over the 300 mm length of the bar.
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