Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sample holder that generates an intense magnetic field for inducing a signal proportional to the magnetic field in a molecular sample while enabling the simultaneous exposure of the sample to one or more measurement light beams. The body of the sample holder consists of a permanent magnet means for producing the intense magnetic field at a strength sufficient to induce the signal. The holder fits in the palm of a user's hand and enables manual manipulation of the holder by the user. A sample chamber and a beam channel are present in the sample holder. Versions of the holder are disclosed which orient the magnetic lines of flux parallel or perpendicular to the sample so as to induce MCD or MLD signals, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for enabling the slow and direct measurement of fluorescence polarization using a liquid crystal variable retardance modulator. A polarization module comprises in combination a sample holder for holding a sample; an input polarizer located intermediate the sample holder and a light source emitting an excitation light beam, the input polarizer being fixed in position and intersecting the excitation light beam prior to its entry into the sample; a modulator means located intermediate the sample and an output polarizer and intersecting a fluorescence emission beam exiting the sample, the modulator means comprising a liquid crystal retardance modulator operating at an arbitrarily slow speed; and, the output polarizer located intermediate the modulator and a detector, the output polarizer being fixed in position intermediate the modulator and the detector, and intersecting the fluorescence emission beam.