Waveplate Retardance Metrology: The Basics and Beyond

Understanding Waveplate Retardance A waveplate is an essential optical component used to control and measure the polarization state of light. Waveplates modify polarization through a parameter called retardance, without affecting the degree of polarization. Accurate measurement of retardance is critical for maintaining precise polarization control and verifying waveplate performance. The most commonly required retardances are […]

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 […]