Application of liquid crystal variable retarders in spin-polarized electron collision experiments

The phase difference between the fast and slow axes of a liquid crystal variable retarders (LCVR) can be changed continuously by modulating an AC voltage applied on the bi-surface of the LCVR. The polarization of an input light beam can thus be controlled by varying the voltage. The calibration method and results of determining the different phase retardances for given wavelengths are described. The theory and method for measuring the integral Stokes parameters by LCVR are also discussed.