The Polarization Extinction Ratio system is an easy-to-use, highly sensitive instrument for measuring both polarizaton extinction ratio (PER) and extinction ratio (ER). Recently introduced by Hinds Instruments, the system is useful for characterizing polarization optics to an extinction ratio of about 106.
Conversion between ER and PER modes is easily accomplished with a lever that moves an analyzing polarizer in and out of the optical path as needed. The orientation of the sample platform and the analyzing polarizer are computer controlled to precisely and efficiently find the applicable signals for each measurement.