polarization photometer
Datecirca 1930
Inventory Number1996-1-0722
ClassificationPhotometer
Subject
Maker
Bausch & Lomb Optical Company
1853-present
User
Department of Physics, Harvard University
founded 1884
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions17.2 × 26.3 × 19 cm (6 3/4 × 10 3/8 × 7 1/2 in.)
Material
Bibliography
DescriptionThe optical system of this photometer consists of a polarizer (Wollaston prism), an analyzer (Glan-Thompson prism), rhomboid prisms (though which light first comes in the instrument), collective lenses, a bi-prism collective lens, an eyepoint diaphragm (missing here), a graduated scale and a loupe or scale reader. One quadrant of the scale is graduated in densities, a second in transmission (in percent), and the third and fourth in degrees. It is made of German silver. This instrument was usually mounted on a stand or optical bench. A brass bracket, not original to this instrument, has been fixed on the instrument's mount attachment.
The letter "H" painted in orange suggests this instrument was used in the physics department at Harvard.
The letter "H" painted in orange suggests this instrument was used in the physics department at Harvard.
Signedon plate: BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO / ROCHESTER, N.Y. U.S.A / No. 668.
FunctionFor comparison of light intensities. According to a 1929 B&L catalogue: "The instrument is designed with two ends in view. (1) When used in conjunction with the standard light source it is an excellent white light photometer and will serve for accurate measurement of light intensity. When used alone in connection with an extended uniform source it offers means for the measurement of photographic densities and work of a like nature.
(2) When used with a No. 2700 Spectrometer and the No. 2750 Universal Stand, it provides a complete Spectrophotometric outfit of a high order of accuracy. It will then give over the visual range readings from whcih spectral transmission and density curves may be directly plotted."
(2) When used with a No. 2700 Spectrometer and the No. 2750 Universal Stand, it provides a complete Spectrophotometric outfit of a high order of accuracy. It will then give over the visual range readings from whcih spectral transmission and density curves may be directly plotted."
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Harvard University.
Jean Baptiste François Soleil
Date: 1840-1850
Object number: 1998-1-1227
Nicolas Marie Paymal Lerebours
Date: 1830-1845
Object number: 1997-1-1681
Kollmorgen Corporation
Date: circa 1980
Accessories: Two instructions manuals: SPECTRA PRITCHARD PHOTOMETER, MODEL 1980A, CONDENSED OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS; INSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL FOR SPECTRA PRITCHARD PHOTOMETER, Model 1980A. Both in gray archival box, C2-H1
Object number: 2004-1-0214a
Jules Duboscq & Philibért François Pellin
Date: 1890-1910
Object number: BH0143
Adam Hilger Ltd.
Date: circa 1930
Object number: 1996-1-0675
