P001 - Polarimetry and Polarimeters - a simple explanation0 pages

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TECHNICAL BULLETIN - P001
Title:

Polarimetry & Polarimeters – a simple explanation

Polarimeters are
optical instruments
for measuring the
rotation or ‘twisting’
of light. Industrial
and academic
laboratories use
polarimeters for a
variety of purposes
ranging from simple
quality control to
fundamental
research into
complex chemical
structures.

Bellingham + Stanley has been designing and manufacturing high quality polarimeters for
100 years.

Principle of polarimetry
Polarised light is light that has passed through a ‘polariser’, which forces the randomised
electromagnetic waveforms into one plane. When this plane-polarised light then passes
through an optically active substance (e.g. solution of an optically active chemical) the
PLANE of polarisation is rotated by an amount which is characteristic of the test substance.
Polarimeters detect the position of the PLANE and compare it to its original position, the
difference being the rotation, normally expressed in angular degrees (°A).

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this Bulletin. However,
Bellingham + Stanley assumes no responsibility for errors contained herein or their consequences.

Release date: 2015

©Xylem Inc. 2015