Imperfect Polarization Research Articles

Errors in Faraday effect measurements using imperfect polarisers

Measurements of the Faraday effect which rely on the production of truly plane-polarized light need a correction factor when transmission polarizers consisting of a stack of thin dielectric films are used. These films exhibit imperfect polarization which can be enhanced by internal interference. The necessary correction factor is developed and is applied to experimental data obtained by the magnetic-modulation method. At some wavelengths the calculated Faraday rotation is increased by 75% of the value obtained from theory which neglects polarization.