ULTRASENSITIVE TIME-RESOLVED LINEAR DICHROISM SPECTRAL MEASUREMENTS USING NEAR-CROSSED LINEAR POLARIZERS

A simple and sensitive technique is introduced to measure time-resolved linear dichroism of spectral transitions. This technique uses the fact that a linear dichroic sample rotates the polarization plane of linearly polarized light. The theoretical basis of the technique is presented using Mueller calculus and a detailed signal analysis is given to account for the effects of various optical imperfections. The results of this analysis are confirmed with the application of the technique to the time-resolved linear dichroism of bacteriorhodopsin in membrane patches (purple membrane) during its photocycle. These experimental results demonstrate the sensitivity of the technique.