Liu, YW, Jones, GA, Peng, Y and Shen, T 2006, 'Generalized theory and application of Stokes parameter measurements made with a single photoelastic modulator' , Journal of Applied Physics, 100 (6) , 063537.

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Abstract

We report in this paper a generalized theory that describes the interaction between a monochromatic light beam and an optical system that includes one photoelastic modulator, one analyzer, and one photodetector. Based on the theory, a detailed four-step procedure is presented, which allows a precise measurement of the four Stokes parameters. An analysis of the systematic and random errors arising from the four-step measurements is also given as well as a calibration procedure that involves the use of a general retardation plate. As a practical application the procedure is used to analyze the magneto-optical properties of magnetic thin films grown on GaAs(001) substrates.

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