A polarimeter measures the optical activity of both inorganic and organic compounds by measuring the angle through which a ray of polarized light is able to rotate and pass through the substance. Optically active compounds will have their own specific rotation based on their molecular structure and concentration of chiral molecules, all of which can be determined through polarimetry.
While the optical activity of the analyzed substances can be influenced by the temperature, the wavelength of the light passing through the compound, as well as the length of the optical path, polarimeters exhibit specific sensitivity markers to ensure accurate compound determination.
Equipment