A visual understanding of optical rotation using corn syrup

Nixon, M.; Hughes, I.G.

Abstract

In this paper a visual demonstration of optical rotation is presented, with content appropriate for use in a lecture demonstration as well as quantitative techniques suitable for an undergraduate-laboratory experiment. Linearly polarised lasers of various wavelengths are propagated through a glass tube containing corn syrup. The rotation of the plane of polarisation of the light is visible with the naked eye, making the experiment dramatic and engaging and aiding understanding of the phenomenon of optical rotation. In addition, we present a simple approach to quantitatively analyse data using only equipment commonly found in undergraduate teaching laboratories.

Citation

Nixon, M., & Hughes, I. (2017). A visual understanding of optical rotation using corn syrup. European Journal of Physics, 38(4), Article 045302. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/aa6a0b

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 29, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Apr 20, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 20, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 30, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 20, 2018
• Journal: European Journal of Physics
• Print ISSN: 0143-0807
• Electronic ISSN: 1361-6404
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: 045302
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/aa6a0b
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1356401