Study on a New Measurement Method of Small Polarization Rotation Using the Common-Path Heterodyne Interferometry and a Half-Wave Plate

Abstract

This thesis proposes a novel method for small polarization rotation measurement using a half-wave plate and a high-stability common-path heterodyne interferometry. The phase with azimuth angle 22.5° of a half-wave plate has a distinct change resulting from the small polarization rotation of the incident light. The optical rotation properties of a material, such as glucose solution, can be determined in this phase from the concentration of the solution. Finally, the phase can be measured using a lock-in amplifier, and the relevant formula between the glucose concentration and the polarization rotation can also be identified with a recording table.