A circular polarizer for the region of windowless VUV radiation

Abstract

A circular polarizer for the region of windowless VUV is described. The device consists of two four-mirror assemblies, using reflectivity differences and phase shifts at gold surfaces known from the Fresnel equations. Owing to its variable angle arrangement the polarizer can be used between 30 nm and 120 nm. When operated with Hel light (58.43 nm), a degree of circular polarization of more than 96% was achieved. The optical constants of gold have been determined by use of the transmitted intensity and polarization of the radiation.