Measurements of an ultra-low loss polarizer for λ = 1064 nm using a high finesse optical cavity

Skeldon, K. D., Clubley, D. A., Newton, G. P., Thieux, S., Von Gradowski, M. and Barr, B. W. (2001) Measurements of an ultra-low loss polarizer for λ = 1064 nm using a high finesse optical cavity. Journal of Modern Optics, 48(4), pp. 695-702. (doi: 10.1080/09500340108230941)

Abstract

We present experiments performed on a specially designed calcite polarizer based around a modified Nicol prism optimized for use at 1064 nm. The polarizer combines the physics of birefringence, Brewster's angle and total internal reflection to achieve a combination of close to zero insertion loss and high extinction ratio for one of the incident light polarizations, limited in theory only by absorption losses in the calcite. We describe optical cavity based measurements which reveal the loss properties to be around 220 ppm, setting an upper limit on the bulk absorptance of calcite at 1064 nm, and offering a polarizer with lower loss than high grade anti-reflection coated components.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Barr, Dr Bryan and Newton, Dr Gavin and Skeldon, Dr Kenneth
• Authors: Skeldon, K. D., Clubley, D. A., Newton, G. P., Thieux, S., Von Gradowski, M., and Barr, B. W.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Journal of Modern Optics
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0950-0340
• ISSN (Online): 1362-3044
• Published Online: 03 July 2009