Optimization of Detectability in Laser-Based Polarimeters

Abstract

To optimize the performance of a laser-based polarimeter, a mathematical simulation was performed. High-modulation currents allow a corresponding increase in signal. However, the effect of ohmic heating puts an upper limit on the power input to the solenoid. With this constraint, one can systematically choose the wire diameter and the number of turns per unit length. An experimental verification of the optimized parameters provided performance approaching the shot-noise limit. By using higher modulation currents, one can operate at 1 kHz to achieve detectability in the microdegree range, without the complications of high-frequency (100 kHz) modulation.