Polarization experiments depend on precise, repeatable positioning of optical components and careful interpretation of the resulting measurements. For the Optics Laboratory at IIT Kharagpur, Xinoxis developed an integrated system that brings motion control, image capture, experiment monitoring, and polarization analysis into one streamlined workflow.
The platform allows researchers to configure a scan, move motorized optical components through controlled angular positions, capture samples at each step, and review the calculated polarization state without coordinating several disconnected tools.
Challenge
Determining the polarization state of light is a multi-stage experimental process. Optical elements must be moved to specific angular positions, measurements must be captured consistently, and the resulting intensity data must be processed to calculate meaningful polarization parameters.
When these steps are handled manually, small differences in positioning or acquisition can make experiments difficult to repeat. Researchers also need clear visibility into the current state of the apparatus so that they can monitor progress and identify acquisition issues while a scan is running.
The laboratory needed a dependable control interface that could coordinate stepper-motor movement with optical capture and analysis while keeping the researcher in control of every scan.
Solution
Xinoxis designed and built a laboratory automation platform around the complete polarization-measurement workflow.
A centralized dashboard provides a live view of the optical sample alongside scan controls, acquisition settings, intensity profiles, motor telemetry, captured samples, and system logs. Researchers can prepare an experiment, configure the required scan sequence, adjust camera exposure and gain, and start the automated routine from a single interface.
During a scan, the system coordinates the stepper motors that position the optical components and records measurements at the required angles. Progress and motor positions remain visible throughout the experiment, giving the operator immediate feedback on the state of the apparatus.
Once acquisition is complete, the collected measurements are passed into a scientific analysis pipeline. The resulting Stokes parameters and degree of polarization are presented together with generated visual outputs, connecting physical experimentation directly to interpretable results.
Experimental Workflow
Scan Configuration
Researchers can define the motion and acquisition sequence before beginning an experiment. This creates a repeatable procedure for moving the optical components and capturing the measurements required for polarization analysis.
Motorized Optical Control
The system drives the laboratory’s stepper motors through controlled angular positions. Live telemetry reports the position of each motor and the overall scan progress, allowing the operator to verify that the physical apparatus is following the configured sequence.
Live Image Acquisition
A large live-preview area exposes the current optical capture while adjustable exposure and gain controls support different experimental conditions. Captured samples are collected as the scan proceeds and remain available for review.
Intensity Monitoring
Real-time horizontal and vertical intensity profiles provide an immediate view of the captured signal. Peak values help researchers assess the acquisition and recognize changes in the optical response during the experiment.
Polarization Analysis
The analysis workflow processes the captured data to calculate the Stokes parameters and the degree of polarization. Results and generated plots are presented in the interface so that researchers can move directly from acquisition to interpretation.
Experiment Records and Export
Scan history, timestamped system activity, captured samples, analysis outputs, and downloadable experiment files keep the work traceable and make it easier to revisit or share a completed run.
Engineering Approach
The project connects two very different domains: precise physical control and scientific data analysis. The control layer manages the timing and position of motorized optical components, while the acquisition layer keeps camera settings and sample capture aligned with the scan sequence.
Above these layers, the dashboard acts as the operational centre of the experiment. It translates motor positions, acquisition state, intensity data, and analysis output into a clear interface designed for active laboratory use.
This integrated approach reduces the number of manual hand-offs between experiment setup, data capture, and computation. It also establishes a consistent path from a configured scan to a documented result.
Outcome
The completed platform gives the IIT Kharagpur Optics Laboratory a unified environment for running polarization experiments with greater consistency and visibility.
- Automated positioning of motorized optical components
- Repeatable scan configuration and execution
- Live camera preview with exposure and gain controls
- Real-time motor telemetry and scan progress
- Horizontal and vertical intensity-profile monitoring
- Integrated calculation of Stokes parameters and degree of polarization
- Recorded samples, system logs, scan history, and downloadable outputs
- A single interface connecting physical control with scientific analysis
Key Capabilities
Laboratory Automation, Stepper Motor Control, Optical Instrumentation, Image Acquisition, Live Telemetry, Intensity Analysis, Polarization Detection, Stokes Parameter Calculation, Scientific Computing, Experiment History, and Data Export.
Project Summary
This project demonstrates how Xinoxis turns a complex physical experiment into a coherent digital workflow. By coordinating motion, acquisition, monitoring, and analysis, the system helps researchers focus on the optics while the platform manages the repeatable mechanics of the experiment.