Balanced polarimeter: A cost-effective approach for measuring the polarization of light

We have designed and built a fast and precise balanced polarimeter from components commonly found in undergraduate physics laboratories. Balanced polarimetry measures the orientation of linearly polarized light by splitting the beam into orthogonal polarization components and detecting each separately. Our polarimeter is capable of measuring the orientation of linearly polarized light with a precision of approximately 0.001 degrees / root Hz. The apparatus cost less than $1000. Measurements of the specific rotation of sucrose and of the Faraday effect were performed, both of which produced results that were comparable to previously reported values. (C) 2015 American Association of Physics Teachers.