Waveplate Retardance Metrology: The Basics and Beyond

Summary Waveplates are essential optical components for controlling and measuring polarization states of light. They modify polarization through a parameter called retardance, without affecting the degree of polarization. The most commonly required retardances are half-wave and quarter-wave, and their accuracy directly impacts the purity of the output polarization state. However, both waveplate manufacturers and users […]

Australian Lidar Measurements of Aerosol Layers Associated with the 2015 Calbuco Eruption

Summary The Calbuco volcano eruption in southern Chile (April 22–23, 2015) injected volcanic aerosols into the atmosphere, forming distinct stratospheric aerosol layers observed over South Australia and Tasmania. Using lidar measurements, atmospheric trajectory modeling, and satellite data (CALIOP & OMPS), researchers confirmed that these layers originated from Calbuco. Key findings include: Stratospheric aerosol layers detected […]