Polarimetry for measuring the vacuum magnetic birefringence with quasi-static fields: a systematics study for the VMB@CERN experiment

We present an experimental systematics study of a polarimetric method for measuring the vacuum magnetic birefringence based on a pair of rotating half-wave plates. The presence of a systematic effect at the same frequency as the sought for magneto-optical effect inhibits the use of strictly constant magnetic fields. We characterise this systematic, discuss its origin and propose a viable workaround.

Automated summary

In this experimental study on systematics, a polarimetric method for measuring vacuum magnetic birefringence based on a pair of rotating half-wave plates is presented. The presence of a systematic effect at the same frequency as the sought for magneto-optical effect hinders the use of strictly constant magnetic fields. The systematic effect is characterized, its origin is discussed, and a viable workaround is proposed.