Signal-to-noise optimization in polarimetry.
The signal-to-noise ratio of a polarimeter is considered for cases which include flicker noise. It is found that using good quality polarizers is essential for detecting small rotations. A high-intensity light-source is also desirable, provided that the intensity can be stabilized. The predicted detectability of 2.8 x 10(-7) degree with current instruments agrees with previously published experimental results.
Yeung
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ES
Department of Chemistry and Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, U.S.A.