Wavelength measurement by polarization method

The experimental and theoretical results, used for an adjustable quarter wave plate development, are proposed for the light wavelength measurement. To prove that idea propagation of coherent and incoherent light through an adjustable quarter wave plate with different properties was considered. The dependence of the adjustment angle on the light wavelength was obtained for different parameters of single retarder. All calculations were performed for mica retarders. It was shown principal possibility of light wavelength shift detection with accuracy 0.1 nm within wavelength range 3 nm for coherent light. Experimental investigation was performed for an adjustable quarter wave plate made of two mica plates of the same retardation. The qualitative coincidence between experimental and theoretical results has demonstrated.