Product Code: JLA_8_1_43

Authors:
Vi´ctor Fajer Avila
Center for the Development of Scientific Equipment and Instruments, Ministry of Science Techonology and Environment, Havana, Cuba

Research carried out in Cuba has led to the design and construction of automatic polarimeters that use the He‐Ne laser as a luminous source and work on a magnetooptic principle of measurement. Physical and chemical investigations including the use of the He‐Ne laser as a light source are discussed. The principle of measurement for the design and construction of polarimeters, resulting in three different types of these instruments, is described. Finally, applications for magnetooptic polarimetry are described, beginning with the use of simple path polarimetry in a gel chromatography detector which makes use of features of high‐sensitivity magnetooptic polarimetry and small‐dimension laser beams. Its use for urinary glucose, which saves both reagents and time compared to conventional techniques, is described. The use of laser polarimeters in sugarcane laboratories and in the control of the process of wine production is also described.