Polarimetric linear absolute position encoder

Mark Johnson

doi:10.1515/aot-2022-0005

Article

Polarimetric linear absolute position encoder

Mark Johnson

Published/Copyright: April 27, 2022

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From the journal Advanced Optical Technologies Volume 11 Issue 1-2

Abstract

Optical encoders based on measurement of the axis-angle of linear polarizers offer high resolution and moderate accuracy, but are usually restricted to rotary measurement. We show that annular polymer sheet polarizer materials can be sheared into rectangular tapes, with a polarizing axis that varies linearly along the tape. This makes possible the construction of polarimetric linear absolute position encoders. We demonstrate also sheared polymer birefringent retarders, which function similarly, potentially with cost and size-flexibility advantages.

Keywords: linear encoders; optical polarization; polymer retarders

Corresponding author: Mark Johnson, Longlands House, Wetheral, Carlisle, CA48HE, UK, E-mail: markj113@yahoo.com

Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
Research funding: None declared.
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.

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Received: 2022-02-23

Accepted: 2022-04-01

Published Online: 2022-04-27

Published in Print: 2022-06-27

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/aot-2022-0005

Keywords for this article

linear encoders; optical polarization; polymer retarders