Polarimeter calibration error gets far out of control

Russell A. Chipman

doi:10.1117/12.2188936

9 September 2015 Polarimeter calibration error gets far out of control

Russell A. Chipman

Proceedings Volume 9583, An Optical Believe It or Not: Key Lessons Learned IV; 95830H (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188936
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This is a sad story about a polarization calibration error gone amuck. A simple laboratory mistake was mistaken for a new phenomena. Aggressive management did their job and sold the flawed idea very effectively and substantial funding followed. Questions were raised and a Government lab tried but couldn’t to recreate the breakthrough. The results were unpleasant and the field of infrared polarimetry developed a bad reputation for several years.

Citation Download Citation

Russell A. Chipman "Polarimeter calibration error gets far out of control", Proc. SPIE 9583, An Optical Believe It or Not: Key Lessons Learned IV, 95830H (9 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188936

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