Abstract:

Here we show that a Fresnel prism can be used as a polarization interferometer. A linearly polarized beam, which is incident in this interferometer, is split into two circularly polarized beams, one right and another left, which generate the interference pattern. Interposing a solution of common sugar in the incident beam, the former pattern is shifted because of the circular birefringence of the sugar. Measuring the displacement of the interference pattern, we determine the phase difference between both circular polarizations introduced by the solution. Moreover, we compare this result with that obtained by measuring the rotation power, concluding that they are in good agreement. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright © 1993 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company