An economical means for accurate azimuthal alignment of polarization optics

Joel R. Blum

doi:10.1117/12.558594

30 September 2004 An economical means for accurate azimuthal alignment of polarization optics

Joel R. Blum

Proceedings Volume 5528, Space Systems Engineering and Optical Alignment Mechanisms; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.558594
Event: Optical Science and Technology, the SPIE 49th Annual Meeting, 2004, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

For many applications involving polarized light, it is important that the azimuthal angle of a polarization optic (i.e. polarizer, retarder, etc...) be accurately aligned to a physical datum or to an eigenaxis of another polarization optic. A simple opto-mechanical tool for azimuthal alignment can be used to perform accurate alignments and consists of two "rotatable" mounts. One mount holds a polarizer, while the other holds a half-wave retarder. The method of swings is used to aid in the azimuthal alignment of the polarization optic and is illustrated using the Poincare Sphere. Additionally, imperfections in polarization optics are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Joel R. Blum "An economical means for accurate azimuthal alignment of polarization optics", Proc. SPIE 5528, Space Systems Engineering and Optical Alignment Mechanisms, (30 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.558594

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