Active feedback scheme for minimization of helicity-dependent instrumental asymmetries

Authors

M. I. Fabrikant, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
K. W. Trantham, Fort Hays State University
V. M. Andrianarijaona, Pacific Union College
Timothy J. Gay, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

5-2008

Comments

Published in Applied Optics 47:13 (May 1, 2008), pp. 2465–2469. Copyright © 2008 Optical Society of America. Used by permission.

Abstract

A method for the active feedback reduction of optical instrumental intensity asymmetries is presented. It is based on the fast chopping of two spatially separated beams of light with orthogonal linear polarizations that are recombined and passed through a quarter-wave plate to yield a single beam with rapidly flipping helicity. Active electro-optic feedback has been successfully employed to maintain this asymmetry below 10⁻⁵.