Quarter Wave Plate: 45 & 135 Degree Polarization Output

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In summary, a quarter wave plate is an optical device used to alter the polarization of light. It is made of birefringent material, causing a phase shift between polarizations. Its purpose is to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. The difference between a 45 degree and 135 degree quarter wave plate lies in the orientation of their fast and slow axes. It does not affect the intensity of light, but may appear to due to polarization vector rotation. Quarter wave plates are commonly used with monochromatic light, but can also be used with white light, though the output polarization may not be as predictable. The wavelength of the light must be considered when selecting a quarter wave plate.
  • #1
StevieTNZ
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Hi there,

If we have a quarter wave plate orientated at 45 degrees in reference to the incident light, if the input photon was 45 degrees polarised, what would the output be? Similiarily with 135 polarised photons? And what happens if the photon is written as -|45> compared to |45>? Does that change the sign of the output?

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  • #2
Incoming light polarized either parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of the wave plate is unaffected by the wave plate. So if I've interpreted your question correctly, the light will be unaffected in all the cases you've asked about.
 

1. What is a quarter wave plate?

A quarter wave plate is an optical device that is used to alter the polarization of light. It is made up of a birefringent material, meaning it has different refractive indices for different polarizations of light. This causes a phase shift between the two polarizations, resulting in a change in the overall polarization of the light passing through the plate.

2. What is the purpose of a quarter wave plate?

A quarter wave plate is often used in optical systems to manipulate the polarization of light. It can be used to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, or vice versa. This is useful in applications such as 3D imaging, optical communication, and polarization microscopy.

3. What is the difference between a 45 degree and 135 degree quarter wave plate?

The difference between a 45 degree and 135 degree quarter wave plate lies in the orientation of the fast and slow axes of the birefringent material. A 45 degree quarter wave plate has its fast axis at a 45 degree angle to the input polarization, while a 135 degree quarter wave plate has its fast axis at a 135 degree angle. This results in different output polarizations for the two types of plates.

4. How does a quarter wave plate affect the intensity of light?

A quarter wave plate does not affect the intensity of light passing through it. It only alters the polarization of the light, not the amount of light. However, in some cases, the intensity may appear to change due to the rotation of the polarization vector.

5. Can a quarter wave plate be used with any type of light?

Quarter wave plates are most commonly used with monochromatic light, such as laser light. However, they can also be used with white light, but the resulting output polarization may not be as predictable. It is important to consider the wavelength of the light when selecting a quarter wave plate, as different materials have different birefringence properties for different wavelengths.

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