title: A sensitive system for measuring atmospheric depolarization of light.
abstract: An improved instrument for measuring depolarization of linearity polarized light has been assembled and operated. It is a hundred times more sensitive than previous devices used for similar measurements, and it can detect depolarized light amounting to less than 10(-8) of the total transmitted light. This sensitivity is achieved by means of a high quality Wollaston prism and a differential detection scheme. Preliminary measurements over a 600-m path indicate that atmospheric depolarization is less than the detection limit of 10(-8).
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Brddford
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Tucker