Patent ID: 7286226
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
1. A birefringence measuring apparatus, comprising: a light projecting unit for projecting approximately circularly polarized light upon a sample; a Stokes meter for detecting a state of polarization of light from the sample; and calculating means for calculating birefringence of the sample on the basis of a Stokes parameter from said Stokes meter, wherein said calculating means calculate the following equations: where B is the amount of birefringence, φ is a phase advance axis angle, S 0 -S 3 are Stokes parameters wherein S 0 is a total light quantity, S 1 is a horizontal linear polarization component, S 2 is a +45 degree linear polarization component, and S 3 is a right-handed circular polarized component.