Polarimeter

A polarimeter is a scientific tool for measuring optical rotation, which is the angle of rotation caused by passing linearly polarized light through an optically active substance. Certain chemicals exhibit optical activity, causing linearly polarized light to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. The degree of rotation, known as the angle of rotation, provides information about the chiral properties of the sample, including the relative concentration of enantiomers present.

Polarimeters are used to identify chemicals based on their unique specific rotation. Controlling or knowing variables like concentration and sample cell length allows for accurately identifying unknown samples in the chemical industry. Automatic polarimeters can calculate concentrations and purity when provided with user-input variables.

Polarimeters help scientists determine the quality of products or ingredients in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Specific rotations measured by polarimeters are used to calculate the purity of substances such as steroids, diuretics, antibiotics, narcotics, vitamins, analgesics, amino acids, essential oils, polymers, starches, and sugars. Contact a Meadowlark Optics Solutions Engineer for assistance with your unique needs.