Abstract: A device comprising a housing, at least one optical component, such as, for example, a polarizer, contained in the housing, and a base. At least two fixing means are attached to the housing and at least one fixing means is attached to the base. The at least one optical component is fixed at a predetermined position upon mating of at least one of the at least two fixing means attached to the housing with at least one fixing means attached to the base. Such device provides for more precise optical measurements than devices which include optical components that are rotatable through a continuum of angles.

Abstract: A Faraday rotator for rotating a plane of polarization of polarized light, said Faraday rotator having an optical element comprising a rod which is comprised of an optically transmitting composition comprising cadmium, zinc, and tellurium, and preferably from about 30 wt. % to about 48 wt. % cadmium, from about 2 wt. % to about 20 wt. % zinc, and about 50 wt. % tellurium. This Faraday rotator is especially useful an optical isolator for preventing feedback of transmitted light waves.