The influence of the imperfection of a polarizer, an analyzer, and a photoelectron multiplier of a spectrophotometric complex on the intensity of light passed through a plane-parallel plate of a uniaxial transparent or absorbing crystal has been theoretically investigated. Expressions for calculating the birefringence and dichroism at different wavelengths are obtained and analyzed. It is established that the influence of the imperfection of optical elements is stronger for calculating the birefringence value, as compared with the calculation of dichroism.
Experimental spectropolarimeter device for simultaneous determination of birefringence, dichroism and parameters of an optical activity of crystals is designed and is made. The given device can be utilized for research of real structure of crystals, of the control both quality crystals also optical polarization elements of anisotropic optics (phase plate, polarization prisms). For determination of optical parameters of crystal plates the measurement of light intensity transmitted through a sample disposed between arbitrary oriented polarizer and analyzer is carried out. Control of device and processing of outcomes of experiment implement with the help of the designed software package, For an estimation of capabilities of the given device the measurements optically active crystal (quartz), absorptive crystal (ruby, mica), phase plates are conducted.
Possible use of crystal cuts with an inclined optical axis for preparation of lambda/2 plates from gyrotropic and nongyrotropic crystals is considered. It is shown that it is impossible to prepare such a plate from a gyrotropic crystal so that it would be similar to a lambda/2 plate prepared from a nongyrotropic crystal, but it is possible to prepare a device consisting of a lambda/4 plate from a gyrotropic crystal and a reflecting mirror that would operate as a lambda/2 plate from a gyrotropic crystals.
A new principle is suggested for calculating crystalline quarter-wave plates with the optical axes inclined to the surface. The specific features of operation of such plates made from gyrotropic crystals are analyzed and compared with those of similar plates made from nongyrotopic crystals. The calculations are exemplified on phase plates made from sapphire and quartz crystals.
