Method for determining the fast axis and phase retardation of a wave plate

Abstract

Based on the heterodyne interferometric technique and the discrimination technique of using two light beams with different wavelengths, a novel method for identifying the fast axis of a wave plate and evaluating its phase retardation is presented. Some of the merits of the method, such as, a simple optical setup, high stability, better resolution, and easier operation, are presented, and the validity of the method is demonstrated. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America.