Photoelectric Analysis of Polarized Light

TLDR

Fourier constants correspond to Stokes parameters, linking phase difference, azimuth, and degree of polarization. A rotating polarizer measures intensity versus azimuth photoelectrically, and Fourier analysis of these data yields polarization parameters for any wavelength. Measurements with a custom analyzer drive confirm the theory and achieve high precision in determining polarization parameters.

Abstract

The light traverses a rotating polarizer and the relative intensity behind this analyzer is measured photoelectrically as a function of the analyzer azimuth. A Fourier analysis is applied to the values obtained. The Fourier constants are practically equivalent to the Stokes parameters and their relations to other polarization parameters such as the phase difference, the azimuth, and the degree of polarization are given. The method may be applied to light of any wavelength. The theory is demonstrated by some measurements which were made with an especially constructed analyzer drive. For most practical cases a very satisfactory precision in the measurement of the polarization parameters is obtained.