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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:03
In Situ Measurement of Vacuum Window Birefringence using 25Mg+ Fluorescence
Published on: June 13, 2020
A polarizer for the vacuum ultraviolet.
D L Steinrnetz1, W G Phillips, M Wirick
1Lunar and Planetary Laboratory of the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Applied Optics
|January 12, 2010
Summary
A novel MgF(2) double Rochon prism functions as a polarizer/analyzer for vacuum UV wavelengths over 1300 Å. This study details its construction, optical properties, and performance measurements.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Unpolarized light requires specialized optical components for manipulation.
- Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) optics present unique material and design challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the construction of a Magnesium Fluoride (MgF(2)) double Rochon prism.
- To characterize the optical properties of this prism for VUV applications.
- To evaluate its performance as a polarizer or analyzer.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a double Rochon prism using MgF(2) crystal.
- Optical transmission measurements of MgF(2) material.
- Angular beam deviation measurements for the polarizer configuration.
Main Results:
- The MgF(2) double Rochon prism is successfully constructed.
- Transmission data for MgF(2) is provided for the 1150 Å to 2900 Å range.
- Angular deviation of the polarized beams was measured across the specified VUV spectrum.
Conclusions:
- The MgF(2) double Rochon prism is effective for VUV polarization and analysis.
- The prism is suitable for applications requiring polarized light above 1300 Å in the VUV spectrum.
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