Polarization by Half-Wave Plate

A wave plate or retarder is an optical device that alters the polarization state of a light beam traveling through it.

In the present setup, the diode laser light passes through polarizer to produce linearly polarized light. It then passes through the half wave plate λ/2. The λ/2 plate produces linear polarised light. For different angles of the λ/2 plate with respect to optic axis only the polarisation plane changes. The maximum and minimum are not changed which can be investigated with the analyser over the range -90 to +90 degrees.

Features:

• Class I diode laser with output power 0.4 - 0.8 mV
• Saddle can hold rod from 8 to 15mm.
• Precise measurement using Data logger & light sensor with Graph analyser software
• Heavy, rigid and stable Triangular Optical bench (made of Al extrusion)
• Height and level adjustment screws (made of SS)
• Data logger can collect 1,00,000 samples per sec.

Learning Objectives/experiments

• To measure the light intensity of plane polarised light as a function of the analyzer position.
• To study the polarization of light by half wave plate
• Produce plane polarised light using half wave plate

Technical Data:

• Light sensor : Range 0 - 600 Lx, resolution 0.15 Lx Range 0 - 6000 Lx,resolution 1.5 Lx Range 0 - 150K Lx, resolution 37 Lx
• Accuracy : + 4% over entire range
• Dataloger : Up to 100K SPS,
• Transmission : from 0 to 100 %, resolution 0.1%memory capacity 800K sample,
• Li polymer rechargeable battery, 6 in-built sensor, 4 ext. sensor port (60+ sensor available), connectivity port micro USB, 90.2 x 90.2 x 20mm(LxWxH), 120gm
• Diode laser : Wavelength 635nm, Operating voltage 5V DC, Optical power 0.4-0.8mW, Class II,
• Optical bench : Al exclusion, L = 1 mtr., Triangular shape with end stop, 4 point levelling (SS screw)
• Polarizer : Angle (0 + 90°), LC 1°, Aperture 21mm, Frame 130mm, Rod 10 mm
• Half wave plate : Angle (0 + 90°), LC 1°, Aperture 21mm, Frame 130mm, Rod 10mm
• Fixed slider : Al Extrusion, Base width 50mm, H 115mm

Scope of Delivery:

• 1 Optical bench Triangular
• 1 Transverse saddle
• 1 Diode laser with adapter
• 2 Polarizer / Analyzer
• 1 Half wave plate
• 1 Light sensor
• 1 Data logger
• 1 Light sensor holder
• 1 Fixed saddle
• 1 Software CD (MiLAB)
• 1 Sensor cable (mini USB)