A Laser Pulse Is Split into Two Paths (IMAGE) American Institute of Physics Caption A laser pulse is split into two paths: circularly polarized pump (blue) and linearly polarized probe (red). The pump's path length is adjustable using a delay stage so that the relative arrival time between the pump and probe can be adjusted. After the probe is reflected from the sample surface, the light is passed through a Walloston Prism and sent to a balanced photo-diode bridge. This allows for very sensitive measurements of the Faraday rotation due to electron spin polarizations. Credit AIP Publishing Usage Restrictions This image may be used only with appropriate caption and credit. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.