EUV Polarimeter: Advancements in Polarization Detection
In the visible range, numerous polarimeters are available to discern the polarization state of light waves. However, the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) range is characterized by a scarcity of efficient and rapid polarimeters. To address this challenge, our team has developed an advanced polarimeter specifically designed for the EUV energy range. This innovative instrument is capable of detecting the linear polarization angle in single-pulse measurements, representing a significant enhancement in both technical and scientific capabilities for EUV polarization analysis.
A. Caretta et al., Structural Dynamics 8, 034304 (2021)
The polarization of a light wave, spanning from the radio frequency to the X-ray regime, designates the direction of the wave's oscillations relative to its propagation. As light interacts with matter, its amplitude and polarization undergo modifications contingent on the material's properties. Specifically, the polarization of the light wave scattered from a material conveys information about its symmetry, order, and, for example, magnetic state.
However, the majority of detectors currently available primarily capture the amplitude of the light waves, leading to the loss of valuable information concerning the wave's polarization. Furthermore, when conducting polarization-sensitive experiments in the X-ray regime, it becomes possible to obtain information about specific atomic constituents within the material under investigation. Consequently, measuring the polarization of light waves offers a more comprehensive and intricate perspective on the microscopic dynamics of natural phenomena.
A novel free-electron laser single-pulse Wollaston polarimeter for magneto-dynamical studies, Antonio Caretta et al. Structural dynamics 8, 034304 (2021); DOI: 10.1063/4.0000104
