Polarimeters

Krijon LTD.FoodPolarimeters

A polarimeter is a scientific instrument used to measure the angle of rotation caused by passing polarised light through an optically active substance. Some chemical substances are optically active, and polarised (uni-directional) light will rotate either to the left (counter-clockwise) or right (clockwise) when passed through these substances. The amount by which the light is rotated is known as the angle of rotation. The angle of rotation is basically known as observed angle. Many chemicals exhibit a specific rotation as a unique property (an intensive property like refractive index or Specific gravity) which can be used to distinguish it. Polarimeters can identify unknown samples based on this if other variables such as concentration and length of sample cell length are controlled or at least known. This is used in the chemical industry. By the same token, if the specific rotation of a sample is already known, then the concentration and/or purity of a solution containing it can be calculated.