Analysis and selection of polarization control waveplates based on extended Jones matrix in SERF co-magnetometer *

The polarization of the probe light is an important parameter of the SERF co-magnetometer probe system, which is related to the stability and measurement accuracy of the SERF co-magnetometer. The theoretical analysis and experimental testing of the phase-retardation of the wave-plate which is a key element in the polarization adjustment of the probe light, are carried out in this paper. The mapping model of phase retardation with respect to the angle of incidence of light is developed based on an extended Jones matrix model of the waveplate. Moreover, the corresponding theoretical verification experiments are designed based on the established. Waveplates with different processes and retardation accuracies are used for the experimental tests and the corresponding measurement errors are analyzed. The scheme provides a theoretical basis and experimental method for the selection of elements in the SERF co-magnetometer. This helps to improve the accuracy of the polarization adjustment of the probe light and the performance of the interference-free probe system.