2-COLOR ROTARY MODULATED FLOW BIREFRINGENCE

A method is described that solves the problem of determining the correct birefringence and orientation angle of samples having multiple orders of retardation. The approach simultaneously uses two wavelengths of light combined with modulation of the polarization vector using a high-speed rotating half waveplate. The simultaneous application of two wavelengths is possible with the use of an achromatic waveplate. The technique is demonstrated by performing start-up Couette flow experiments on a concentrated polystyrene solution that produced multiple orders in retardation. © 1990 Steinkopff.