Polarization

1
Polarization

• Chapter 14
• Theory and Applications

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What is Polarization?

• Alignment of e-m waves so that vibrations in the
  electric fields are parallel to each other.

3
Sunglasses

• Lets take a look!

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Ways to polarize light

• Transmission

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Ways to polarize light

• Reflection
• Light is polarized parallel to surface.

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Ways to polarize light

• Scattering
• DNA helix rotates the plane of polarization to
  allow quantitative measurements.

7
High Speed Shutters

• Application of a large voltage can change the
  polarization axis of some materials (e.g.
  nitrobenzene). If we have crossed polarizers
  which transmit no light, a short voltage pulse to
  one of them will rotate its plane of polarization
  and allow light to pass. This produces a high
  speed shutter.