Apparatus and method for measuring optical anisotropy

摘要

An optical anisotropy measurement apparatus including a light source emitting a light beam and a photodetector disposed opposite to the light source is provided for measuring an optical anisotropy of an object to be examined disposed between the light source and the photodetector so as to intersect a straight line connecting the light source and the photodetector. The apparatus further includes: a supporting member for supporting the object to be examined rotatably about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the straight line, a polarizer positioned between the light source and the object to be examined, an analyzer positioned between the object to be examined and the photodetector, and an optical member disposed between the light source and the object to be examined so as to cause the beam to pass through an intersection of the straight line and the rotation axis. The optical member is preferably a pair of transparent members each having a curved surface and a flat surface disposed to sandwich the object to be examined with their opposing flat surfaces. The object to be examined may be a liquid crystal cell.