Modulation technique used for measurement of very weak linear birefringence and dichroism in liquids on the example of castor oil between metal electrodes

Abstract

A technique for measurement of very weak linear birefringence of the order of 10-7 and dichroism in liquids is proposed. The method is based on the polarimetric technique. A characteristic feature is that the experimental setup enables the measurement of linear birefringence combined with electro-optic effect as well as the measurement of dichroism combined with electro-optic effect. The combination of the effect which does not show rapid changes with the effect which depends on alternating electric field allows to improve the sensitivity of the method (in comparison to the earlier static method). This was achieved by use of lock-in amplifier that measures only the selected harmonic with very high selectivity. The theoretical considerations are illustrated by the results of measurements for castor oil.