CONCENTRATION MEASUREMENTS IN CHIRAL MEDIA USING OPTICAL HETERODYNE POLARIMETER

A novel method which uses an optical heterodyne polarized interferomet er and lock-in technique to probe the concentration of dissolved chira l media is proposed and tested. In contrast to conventional systems, t his method shows higher sensitivity of detection and real time monitor ing capability. The method's insensitivity to the intensity fluctuatio ns of the laser source is another advantage. In determining the angle of rotation of chiral media, a system error on the order of 1% is achi eved in this experiment.