Polarimetry – Optical Activities
Classical physics teaches that light consists of electromagnetic waves, which vibrations are transverse
to the direction of propagation. Polarized light is light, which vibration pattern exhibits preference.
If natural light passes through a so called polarizing filter, most of its other vibrating directions will
be filtered out, leaving only one specific direction. If this light is oscillating then in only one direction,
it is called “linearly polarized”.
There is a great number of organic and inorganic substances being optically active in their crystalline,
liquid or dissolved state. That means, these substances are able to rotate the direction of oscillation
of polarized light around a determined angle. The principle of the polarimeter is accomplished if a dissolved
optically active substance is introduced between two polarizing filters, crossed at 90°.
The intensity of the light on the detector behind the second polarizing filter varies as a function of
the angular position of these two filters.
Optical rotation in general means that the polarization of the direction of light will be rotated for a
certain angle when penetrating an optically active substance. A simple polarimeter contains at
least the following parts:

At point zero, polarizer and analyzer are set in an angle of 90° towards each other, which means
that no light reaches the detector (0% transmission). As soon as an optically active substance
is introduced into the sample room, the transmission will be rising in consequence of the plane
of polarization. To measure the angle of the rotation, the analyzer is rotated up to a point where
the transmission of the detector is again at a minimum. Optical rotation is measured in degrees
of angle; this kind of instruments are thus called circle polarimeters.
In order to determine the exact compensation position, SCHMIDT + HAENSCH uses faraday modulation
as an electronic enhancement. Without mechanical transmission by a V-belt or gear being necessary,
we apply a direct coupling of optical encoder and analyzer in all measuring instruments.
That is how a high accuracy throughout the entire measuring range is achieved. Additionally,
these principles guarantee for short measuring times and no mechanic wear. Consequently, highest
sensitivity and fastest compensation time over the entire measuring range is archieved.
The continuous measurement is also allowing monitoring of muto-rotation.
Schmidt & Haensch | VariPol Series
The VariPol takes the proven S&H technology & more their 150 years’ experience in polarimetry to a new level
Especially designed for pharmaceutical applications
Peltier system for automatic temperature control
21 CFR part 11 ready
Energy saving durable LED's
Small footprint
Easy to use
Modular
This new instrument has been designed with all the know-how of Schmidt & Haensch like the Automatic Wavelength Calibration, the fortified Aluminum core, the built-in quality indicator of samples as well as the check of calibration standards.
The 100mm sample room is optimal for the needs of pharmaceutical and chemical laboratories. Its seamless shape makes it easy to clean.
The VariPol makes polarimetry faster than ever: The integrated Peltier system can change 10°C in 30 seconds to highest precision. After temperature stabilization, the measurement itself takes only 6 seconds!
The new tension free design of our sample tubes allows a fast cleaning or exchange of the cover glasses without birefringence.
Low power consumption and with a modern standby mode it gives you fast reaction time and helps to preserve resources (Green Tech).
LED light technology: the light source is maintenance free during the instrument’s lifetime, saving you maintenance costs and downtime.
Wavelength modules can be exchanged on site to allow a flexible operation
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Schmidt & Haensch | Polartronic V
The fully automatic and high resolution allrounder polarimeter with continuous measurement
High-performance circle polarimeter
Maximum user-friendliness
Large 7” touch screen
Pre-installed user methods
Flexibility due to modular concept
Main features:
Robust metal housing
Highly accurate and reproducible measuring results over the whole measuring range in no time at all
Continuous measurements for control of changes in concentration, depending on time or reaction
Adopted User friendly Operation System displayed by a broad 7“ TFT Touchscreen
Easy to calibrate by certified Quartz Control Plates (SQCP, TQCP)
Modern and robust design for rough environments
Internal measuring data storage
Documentation according to GLP/GMP, 21 CFR part 11 ready, corresponding software optionally available.
Very long-lasting LED light source
Extremely low noise
Minimal maintenance effort and remote diagnostics and servicing
In conjunction with the S&H Software AQUISYS 2008 all requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 will be performed
Checking/Calibration
As the interference filters, which are used in circle polarimeters, suffer from age- and environment depending alteration, it might be necessary to check and eventually to readjust the wavelength precise periodically. This can be done with sucrose solutions or quartz control plates, a much more reliable method.
Quartz control plates are long-term stable examination standards for polarimeter. The sample room of SCHMIDT + HAENSCH polarimeter permits the vertical movement of quartz control plates as well as the free rotation (±360°) around their own axis. Only by a rotation it is possible to check if the plates are mounted without strain and permit an examination of the polarimeter according to processing regulations of international standards like ICUMSA and OIML.
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Schmidt & Haensch | Saccharomat V
Saccharomat – Worldwide unique quartz-wedge compensated sugar polarimeter
The Saccharomat is a fully automatic working sugar polarimeter.
Patented sugar polarimeter
Calibration free due to quartz wedge compensation
Extremely highly stable readings
Maximum user-friendliness
Combination with refractometer possible (Purity Analyzer)
Quartz has an optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) almost identical to that of a sucrose solution. This fact is exploited as a unique compensation mechanism using a quartz wedge in SCHMIDT + HAENSCH’s Saccharomat. This working principle is unique and is unrivalled today.
As the quartz and the sample react in an identical way to small shifts of wavelength, these shifts are being automatically compensated and the effect becomes irrelevant. This ensures long time stable high precision measuring results without the necessity of recalibration over the lifetime of the instrument. Highly advantageous is that dark samples with a high absorption may be measured at NIR wavelength (882,6 nm) after carefully filtration (see filtration unit “AutoFilt Z”) without additional clarification being necessary.
For the measurement of Pol and Brix values at the same time, the Saccharomat can be coupled directly with the refractometer measuring head creating a Purity Analyzer. This solution is very economical since there is no need for the additional electronic unit of the refractometer.
Main features:
Fully electronic sugar polarimeter (saccharimeter) using the unique principle of quartz wedge compensation
Less wavelength dependency compared to circle polarimeters
Instrument does not need re-calibration at any time
Measurement of very dark samples after filtration with Autofilt Z without additional clarification at infrared wavelength (NIR)
Energy saving LED light source
High and stable precision of the instrument over the whole measuring range
High compensation speed
Indication of the optical density
Automatic temperature compensation if using appropriate polarimeter tubes
Polarimeter tubes with self-sealing coupling for quick and safe connection/disconnection of water circulators
Easy creation of user-specific measurement methods
Up to 1000 scales freely programmable
Continuous measurement
Adapted user friendly operation system displayed by a high resolution 7” TFT touch screen
Minimal maintenance effort
GLP/GMP conform documentation
Operational levels with password protection (user administration)
Freely programmable formulas
Data export towards MS Excel, as text file or PDF file
Convenient connection to LIMS systems
Extensive self-diagnostics and service level for easier maintenance and repair
Remote diagnostics and maintenance of data
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Schmidt & Haensch | Polartronic H 532
The fully electronic high resolution (0,0001°) circle polarimeter H532 with up to 5 wavelengths and highest precision.
Highest measuring precision
Measuring of optical rotatory dispersion (ORD)
Up to 5 wavelengths
Calibration free because of spectral lamps
Polartronic H532 is housed under the steel housing with large user programmable display and powerful software similar to the S&H refractometer ATR Series.
The improved software implements amongst other features the input of sample identification numbers, statistic evaluations of multiple measurements, user definable printouts individually configurable for each of the 10 available methods, etc.
Main Features:
Measurement of the optical activity of liquids according to ICUMSA, O.I.M.L., European and American Pharmacopoeia
For highest demands in pharmaceutical, research and development laboratories
Direct reading of the rotation angle without mechanical transmission is resulting in guaranteed unmatchable precision over the entire measuring range
Short measuring time, no mechanical abrasion
The measurement is carried out constantly without pressing a button so that flow through measurements can easily be performed.
The customer can program up to 10 special scales (glucose, mono sodium glutamate or other) and 10 methods
Calibration free due to spectral lamps
Display of the optical density
Analytical measurements at multiple wavelength (determination of the optical rotation dispersion)
Selectable apertures for standard cells and micro cells
The Polartronic H x32 Series has got up to 5 wavelenghts. The Polartronic H 532 is equipped with five wavelengths. The standard wavelength are 365.11 nm / 435.95 nm / 546.23 nm /579.16 nm /589.44 nm, others on request
Serial to Ethernet converter for data transfer to PC
Automatic temperature compensation when using an appropriate polarimeter tube
The instrument has a versatile software for test routines and configurations
GLP/GMP conform documentation
21 CFR part 11 ready. In conjunction with the Software AQUISYS 2008 (option) all requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 will be performed :
✔ Audit trail function
✔ Report generation
✔ Electronic signature
✔ Encrypted electronic data storage and archiving
✔ Data transfer to Excel
✔ Remote modus Features of Polartronic H 532
✔ Internal data memory (999 measurements)
Accessories:
NEW: Chemically resistant polarimeter tubes
NEW: Polarimeter tubes with self-sealing coupling for quick and safe connection / disconnection of water circulators
NEW: Triple Quartz Control Plates (TQCP’s)
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Schmidt & Haensch | Unipol 2020
Fully automatic digital polarimeter particularly designed for pharmaceutical and chemical applications.
High-performance circle polarimeter
Unchanged high precision
21 CFR part 11 ready
Comply to international standards
The entire measuring range of ± 360° is divided in several measuring ranges which can easy be selected by the menu.
The user-friendly menu structure of the instrument is easily operated with the splash-proof alphanumerical keyboard. Software enables the user to input sample ID-numbers, calculate statistics and configure user defined printout of the measuring results. The measuring values are shown on the large LCD display.
The standard model is equipped with the 589 nm wavelength. Other wavelengths on request.
Various polarimeter tubes are available for different applications. With the use of micro tubes smallest sample volumes are sufficient. The polarimeter Unipol 2020 is equipped with plug in connector for the temperature sensor of the S&H polarimetric tubes. If polarimeter tubes or quartz control plates with integrated temperature sensor are used the current sample or quartz temperature is indicated at the display.
The resolution of Unipol 2020 is in complete conformity to the European and American Pharmacopeia. GLP/GMP conform data can be transferred to printer or PC.
The Unipol 2020 is 21 CFR part 11 ready. In conjunction with the Software AQUISYS 2008 (option) all requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 will be performed:
Audit trail function
Report generation
Electronic signature
Encrypted electronic data storage and archiving
Data transfer to Excel
Polarimeter Accessories:
NEW: Chemically resistant polarimeter tubes
NEW: Polarimeter tubes with self-sealing coupling for quick and safe connection/disconnection of water circulators
NEW: Triple Quartz Control Plates (TQCP’s)
Checking/Calibration
As the interference filters, which are used in circle polarimeters, suffer from age- and environment depending alteration, it might be necessary to check the wavelength precision periodically and to readjust the wavelength in case it’s out of range. This can be done with sucrose solutions or quartz control plates. Sucrose solutions are not very stable and have to be renewed regularly. Checking a polarimeter by a quartz plate is a much more reliable method.
Quartz control plates are long-term stable examination standards for polarimeter. The sample room of S&H polarimeter permits the vertical movement of quartz control plates as well as the free rotation (±360°) around their own axis. Only by a rotation it is possible to check if the plates are mounted without strain and permit an examination of the polarimeter according to processing regulations of international standards like ICUMSA and OIML.
Applications : Polarimetric concentration and purity analysis in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industry.
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Schmidt & Haensch | Visual Circle Polarimeter
Small Universal Polarimeter with Long-lasting LED illumination
Rugged visual polarimeter
Three lighting units
Ideal for school/education
The polarimeter has a circular scale of ±180° angular degrees divided into full degrees. Together with the Vernier scale rotations can be measured to a precision of 0.1° and with a little practice they can be estimated to a precision of 0.05°. The light source LED is a very long lasting illumination unit (life time approx. 50.000 hours).
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