Rudolph Research Analyical - Autopol I Automatic Polarimeter
The AUTOPOL I is Rudolph's most economical automatic polarimeter designed for education and less demanding applications where the budget is critical, but quality is still important. |
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Rudolph manufactures its least expensive polarimeter with the same high quality optics as its more expensive instruments. While other manufacturers in this price range use Polaroid Plastic Dichroic Sheet Polarisers, Rudolph does not. Instead, Rudolph uses the same high quality Glan Thompson Calcite Polarizers used in its high accuracy models.(Figure A)
Why are high quality polarising prisms important? Because polarizing prisms are the most critical optical components in the polarimeter. Polaroid prisms are made of a polymeric plastic where the molecules are stretched and oriented in a specific direction so as to linearly polarise light. These types of plastic sheet polarisers are very inexpensive $50.00 USD) and are vulnerable to heat, warp over time, deteriorate from moisture, and also have greater light absorption than Calcite Polarizers. In many cases, the plastic polarizers must be replaced in 3 – 5 years. Glan Thompson Calcite Polarisers are comprised of a carbon crystalline structure similar to diamond and have excellent light transmission characteristics. The quality of these prisms is so good, Rudolph guarantees its prisms over the life of the polarimeter.
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Temperature
As shown in Figure B, the Autopol I comes with a Temperature Probe so that sample temperature can be displayed and printed. However, if your product requires Temperature Control, then the Autopol I will most likely not be accurate enough for this type of sample, as is the case for 98% of pharmaceutical applications where a Certificate of Analysis must be issued. |
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Wavelengths and Accessories The Autopol I is a Single Wavelength Instrument operating at 589nm. The 589nm wavelength is often referred to as the Sodium D-Line. The Autopol I includes a 100mm or 200mm glass sample cell as well as a full range of optional accessories as shown in Figure C. |
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