Automated, low-cost and simple polarimeter based on intensity measurements by an LDR

U Rivera-Ortega¹, J Dirckx² and S Van Der Jeught^3
1Mechatronics división, Universidad Tecnológica de Puebla, Puebla, México
²Laboratory of Biomedical Physics University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
³InVilab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Dedicated to Professor Wolfgang Osten

This paper presents an automated, low-cost and simple polarimeter based on intensity measurements using a photoresistor (LDR). The polarization states are determined by sensing the intensity variations of an input beam as it passes through a polarizer mounted on a stage and rotates at a constant speed. We use a USB Data Acquisition system and LabVIEW to automate and analyze the data. The main advantage of this proposal lies in the fact that the polarization state obtained is shown by its polarization ellipse as well as its inclination (with a simple methodology of data acquisition and processing). In addition, the device can be activated remotely, and the results can be sent via email. The results will be validated by comparing them with a commercial polarimeter. © Anita Publications. All rights reserved.
Doi: xxx
Keywords: Polarization, Polarimetry, Automation, Sensors, Remote-controlling

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