Improved circular polarizer for far-infrared light-pipe systems

Abstract

We present an improved design for far-infrared (FIR) circular polarizers used in a lightpipe transmission system for magneto-optical experiments. A peak efficiency of nearly 100% is achieved for FIR laser radiation by reducing the multiple reflections within the polarizer system, as well as scattering from the walls of the lightpipe. Broadband low-resolution measurements are less susceptible to errors due to multiple reflections, but incorporation of these improvements is still found to reduce systematic errors due to the reflection from the sample. Also, we have measured the low temperature index of refraction of quartz and find significant disagreement with published values for frequencies below 100 cm^-1.