theoretical background of polarimetry?

Question

PLS PLS does anyone know theoretical background of polarimetry that includes the physical and chemical background coz i have a report due tuesday and i dont know the answer..DETAILED IF POSSIBLE
THX =)

Answer 1

Polarimetry is the measurement of the polarisation of light; a polarimeter is the scientific instrument used to make these measurements. Polarimetry of thin films and surfaces is commonly known as ellipsometry.

Polarimetry can be used to measure various optical properties of a material, including linear birefringence, circular birefringence (also known as optical rotation or optical rotary dispersion), linear dichroism, circular dichroism and scattering.

To measure these various properties, there have been many designs of polarimeters. Some are archaic and some are in current use. The most sensitive polarimeters are based on interferometers, while more conventional polarimeters are based on arrangements of polarising filters, wave plates or other devices.

hope this helps

Answer 2

Some molecules have asymetry in their structure. They are like the left and right hands. They are called isomers of the same molecule. And example is Vitamin B6 for which the synthetic form is made of 50% d-alpha tocopherol and 50% l-alpha tocopherol while the natural one is 100% d-alpha tocopherol. A polarimetry apparatus can be a glass tube containing a solution of the substance to study and one polarizing light filter at each end. If you put natural (asymetric) vitamin B6 in the tube then for the light to pass through the tube you will have to rotate the second filter by a certain angle called the polarization angle. Polarized ligth filters are commonly used in eyeglasses that remove reflexions which consist of polarized light. Polarization does make the light wave asymetric. So the keyword is asymetry. Most natural molecules are asymetric while most synthetic molecules either have no asymetry or are a 50/50 mixture of right and left isomers.