Simple and Low Cost Polarimeter System

Yavuz Öztürk

Yavuz Öztürk Ege University

Abstract

Fundamental wave properties of light are wavelength, frequency, propagation direction, and polarization. In order to understand the polarization behavior of light as well as the polarization change during light matter interaction, we propose a simple multi point measurement system based on phase change. The total cost of experimental setup was less than 150$. Here in this paper, we utilized this system in order to measure the optical
activities of glucose. We test the implemented polarimeter and results are verified with a commercial polarimeter. Possible applications of the system are discussed. This system offers data acquisition and signal processing with computer at basic level, which are substantial for multidisciplinary studies. Presented system could be used in undergraduate level physics and chemistry laboratories to teach the students the polarization
dynamics in a simplified and practical way. We believe that phase dependent measurement setup will help inspire students to develop polarization based optics projects.

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