Abstract
This paper analyses the slight change undergone by the polarization of a laser beam performing a multipass between two spherical mirrors facing each other. We replace the general 16-parameter Mueller formalism by an approximate 7-parameter one, and we give a quantitative experimental criterion for the validity of this approximation. Then we apply this formalism to the analysis of our experimental data. The results evidence:i) intrinsic birefringence in the mirror coatings (typical value per reflexion ∼2 to 4×10−4 rad);ii) birefringence due to off-normal incidence (typically 3.6×10−5 rad per reflexion for an incidence of 2×10−2 rad);iii) optical rotation, of purely geometrical origin (typically 14° for a multipass with revolution symmetry and 100 forward-backward passes under constant incidencei=2°);iv) no observable circular dichroism (≲10−6). Finally these results are discussed in connection with possible associated systematics in a parity violation experiment which motivated this work.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
M.A. Bouchiat, C.C. Bouchiat: Phys. Lett.48B, 111 (1974)
M.A. Bouchiat, L. Pottier: Phys. Lett.62B, 327 (1976); see also Proc. Int. Workshop on Neutral Current Interactions in Atoms, ed. by W.L. Williams (University of Michigan, Ann. Arbor, MI 1980) pp. 122–139
E. Iacopini, B. Smith, G. Stefanini, E. Zavattini: Nuovo Cim.61B, 21 (1981)
D. Herriott, H. Kogelnik, R. Kompfner: Appl. Opt.3, 523 (1964)
M.A. Bouchiat, A. Coblentz, J. Guéna, L. Pottier: J. Phys. (Paris)42, 985 (1981)
M.A. Bouchiat, L. Pottier: Opt. Commun.37, 229 (1981)
M.A. Bouchiat, J. Guéna, L. Pottier: Opt. Commun.37, 265 (1981)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Associé au C.N.R.S.