介绍了一种新颖的、利用两个偏振片和一个直角棱镜测定λ/4波片实际相位延迟角(不包含整数倍2π)大小且可同时判定波片快慢轴的简便方法。根据波动光学理论并采用琼斯矩阵对该方法的测量原理进行了理论推导,导出了该方法的不确定度,用计算机仿真的方法比较了各个相关因素对测量不确定度影响的程度,对该方法的使用条件进行了必要的讨论,最后给出了应用实例以及对测量结果进行的验证性实验与计算机仿真,结果表明该方法是可行的。此外,该方法还具有所用器件易获得、操作简单、测量精度高等优点。

A novel and simple method used for the measurement of the practical value of the retardance (an overall ambiguity modulo 2π is not considered) and the determination of the fast or slow axis of a quarter-wave plate employing two polaroids and a right-angle prism is reported. The theoretical analysis of the principle is given taking Jones matrix as a mathematical tool, the uncertainty of formula is derived, the effects of each factor upon the uncertainty are simulated using a computer. The working conditions of this method are discussed. An application example is given, and the measured result of the example is verified with results of test and computer simulation, which indicates that the method is feasible. Furthermore, this method has the advantages such as easier to obtain the optical devices needed, simpler to operate, and accurate etc.