Method for polarimetric analysis

Claim 2

Apparatus for determining the physical properties and/or compositions of a test specimen comprising: means for subjecting a test specimen to the passage therethrough of a periodically interrupted, linearly polarized beam of radiation the plane of polarization of which is continuously rotated; a polarizing filter analyzer positioned in the path of the beam downstream of the test specimen; and means for detecting the beam downstream of said analyzer to yield a measure of the optical effect of the specimen on the beam.

Claim 3

Apparatus for determining physical properties and/or compositions of a test specimen by passing a beam of polarized radiation through said specimen and measuring the optical effects of said specimen on said beam comprising: A. a radiation path which includes the following elements spaced from each other and in the order named a. a source of radiation; b. means for polarizing the radiation from said source, for continuously rotating the polarization and for periodically blocking said path; c. an analyzer comprising a polarizing filter; d. a radiation detector; and B. means for locating a test specimen in said optical path between said polarizing means and said aNalyzer.

Claim 4

Apparatus for determining physical properties and/or compositions of a test specimen by passing a beam of polarized radiation through said specimen and measuring the optical effects of said specimen on said beam comprising: A. a radiation path which includes the following elements spaced from each other and in the order named a. a source of radiation; b. means for polarizing the radiation from said source, for continuously rotating the polarization and for periodically blocking said path; c. an analyzer comprising a polarizing filter; d. a radiation detector; and B. means for locating a test specimen in said optical path between said polarizing means and said aNalyzer.

Claim 5

Apparatus as defined by claim 2 in which said path is periodically blocked between said source and the test specimen.

Claim 6

Apparatus as defined by claim 3 in which said blocking means operates in synchronism with said means for rotating the polarization.

Claim 7

Apparatus as defined by claim 4 including means for measuring the degree of rotation of polarization of the beam due to passage through the test specimen.

Claim 8

Apparatus as defined by claim 4 including means for measuring the amount of depolarization of the beam of radiation by the test specimen.

Claim 9

Apparatus as defined by claim 4 including means for measuring the amount of absorption of the beam of radiation by the test specimen.

Claim 10

Apparatus as defined by claim 4 including means for simultaneously measuring rotation of polarization, depolarization and absorption of radiation of the beam by the test specimen.

Claim 13

The method defined by claim 9 including the step of measuring the degree of rotation of the plane of polarization of the beam due to passage through the test specimen.

Claim 14

The method defined by claim 9 including the step of measuring the amount of absorption of the beam by the test specimen.

Claim 15

The method of claim 9 including the step of measuring the depolarization of the beam due to passage through the test specimen.

Claim 16

The method of claim 9 including the following steps simultaneously performed: a. the step of measuring the degree of rotation of the beam due to passage through the test specimen; b. the step of measuring the amount of absorption of the beam by the test specimen; and c. the step of measuring the depolarization of the beam due to passage through the test specimen.