Polarimeter calibration error gets far out of control

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

This is a sad story about a polarization calibration error gone amuck. A simple laboratory mistake was mistaken for a new phenomena. Aggressive management did their job and sold the flawed idea very effectively and substantial funding followed. Questions were raised and a Government lab tried but couldn't to recreate the breakthrough. The results were unpleasant and the field of infrared polarimetry developed a bad reputation for several years.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAn Optical Believe It or Not
Subtitle of host publicationKey Lessons Learned IV
EditorsMark A. Kahan
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628417494
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventAn Optical Believe It or Not: Key Lessons Learned IV - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 10 2015 → …

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9583
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherAn Optical Believe It or Not: Key Lessons Learned IV
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/10/15 → …

Keywords

  • Calibration
  • Infrared polarimetry
  • Polarimetry
  • Polarization
  • Retarders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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