Apparatus for a polarization filter rotator dial

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for and recommendations regarding equipment for a polarization filter rotator dial. Participants explore options for purchasing or creating a suitable apparatus for rotating polarization filter sheets and measuring the angle of rotation, with a focus on affordability and practicality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding a polarization filter rotator dial online and seeks recommendations.
  • Another participant suggests a 'student' polarimeter found on eBay, asking about the required accuracy and specifications.
  • Links to polarizer mounts from Edmund Optics are shared, with one participant noting the high cost of these mounts, exceeding 150 USD.
  • A suggestion is made to create a DIY mount using a cheap camera polarizing filter and a plastic protractor, which could provide adequate results at a lower cost.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality of cheaper equipment, with some participants arguing that lower-cost options may not provide the necessary quality for serious experimentation.
  • There is a discussion about the balance between cost and quality, with one participant emphasizing that many elementary physics experiments can be conducted without high-quality equipment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of high-quality equipment versus the feasibility of using cheaper alternatives. There is no consensus on the best approach to obtaining or constructing the desired apparatus.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying levels of accuracy and specifications needed for the apparatus, but these details remain unresolved. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on the value of cost versus quality in experimental setups.

tryingtolearn1
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Wondering where I can purchase the polarization filter rotator dial equipment? I tried searching online and couldn't find it. I will like to rotate the polarization filter sheets and measure the angle of the rotation but I can't find that equipment online.

I have attached the image below:

Screenshot (69).png
 
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What sort of accuracy and spec do you need? I found this on eBay
1599906021184.png

It's a 'student' polarimeter. Is that the sort of thing you want?
 
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tryingtolearn1 said:
I took a look and the polarizers mount are very expensive upwards of 150 USD. Do you know of any other polarizer mounts that are cheaper like less than 30 USD?
You could always make your own mount with a cheap camera polarising filter (linear not circular option) and use a circular, school type, plastic protractor. If you are into DIY you can use plastic PVC plumbing tubing. There is a wide selection of fittings that would allow the tube to be mounted on a board or a laboratory clamp stand. That sort of arrangement would cost the sort of money you're talking about and could give very adequate results with angle measurement accuracy of down to 1 degree, depending on how firm your arrangement is.

In the field of Optics KIT, 150 USD is cheap! IT'S BIG BOYS' STUFF. :wink: .
 
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sophiecentaur said:
In the field of Optics KIT, 150 USD is cheap! IT'S BIG BOYS' STUFF.

You get what you pay for, cheap parts are just that, cheap and no quality.
 
Dr Transport said:
You get what you pay for, cheap parts are just that, cheap and no quality.
You can do many elementary experiments in Physics without "quality" equipment. School physics exists on what can be snobbishly called rubbish. It can be a terrible waste of money to go for 'the best' if you don't plan to make a lifetime study of a topic.
 

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