Polarization measurements in the VUV region of synchrotron radiation

The polarization characteristics of the VUV light emerging from the 5 m nor mal incidence monochromator at the Daresbury Synchrotron Radiation Source. UK, have been investigated. The results show that the linear polarization c hanges with photon energy, that the major polarization axis is inclined wit h respect to the horizontal direction and that the degree of inclination al so changes with photon energy. Using Stokes' parameters and Mueller matrice s, these results are explained by the influence of the beamline optics on t he radiation. The results should be relevant to VUV beamlines at other sync hrotron radiation sources. The design and construction of the polarizer use d are described.