Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting ferromagnetic debris in a fluid medium in a container includes a plug attachable to the container and having an associated magnetic field preferably produced by a permanent magnet. The plug is at least partly exposed to the fluid to capture debris in the fluid. The apparatus further includes a portable sensor for optically sensing the captured debris, with the sensor having a probe that is connectable to the plug. A method for using such apparatus is provided, and in general a method of detecting ferromagnetic particles in a fluid medium in a container includes the steps of: a) magnetically capturing particles from the fluid using a plug with the container, and b) interrogating the plug with light for captured particles using a portable probe.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for the measurement of at least one parameter of the state of polarization of a light beam is described. The apparatus includes only a photodetector and no other optical elements. The detector surface is partially specularly reflecting and intercepts the light beam at an oblique angle of incidence. The absorbed fraction of incident radiation produces a corresponding electrical output signal that is detected and from which the at least one parameter of the state of polarization can be determined. The detector may also be rotated to modulate the electrical output signal to determine the elliptic polarization of light except for handedness. A two detector ellipsometer is disclosed wherein light reflected from one detector is absorbed by the second detector and the entire system is rotated.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an improved polarimeter and polarimetric method. The heart of the polarimeter is a Faraday rod within a concentric coil. The light being analyzed is imaged at a field stop, passed through the rod and, subsequently, through an analyzer. Electric current pulsed through the coil according to a prescribed waveform creates a pulsed magnetic field within the rod, causing the plane of polarization of the incoming light to rotate by an amount varying according to the particular current waveform. This, in turn, creates a varying degree of attenuation, by the analyzer, of the plane polarized component of the light. Means are provided for measuring this variation of attenuation, by which measurement the degree and angle of polarization of the incoming light may be determined, as well as the intensity thereof.