Understanding Polarisation of Light: Dextrorotary vs Laevorotary Explained

In summary, polarisation of light refers to the phenomenon of light waves vibrating in a specific direction, and dextrorotary and laevorotary refer to the direction in which the light waves rotate. Diagrams and explanations can aid in understanding this concept.
  • #1
charlee
2
0
How does polarisation of light work exactly and what does dextrorotary and
laevorotary mean please help :smile:
 
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  • #2
charlee said:
How does polarisation of light work exactly and what does dextrorotary and
laevorotary mean please help :smile:

I had never seen those words before, but I looked them up. They mean rotating right and left.

It really helps to have some nice diagrams to explain polarization, especially rotating polarization. there are some nice diagrams, and a decent explanation here.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/polclas.html#c3
 
  • #3
Thank you, the website was helpful and the definitions of those words meant the explanation in the book made more sense
 
Last edited:

1. What is polarisation of light?

Polarisation of light refers to the orientation of the electric field oscillations of a light wave. When light is polarised, the electric field oscillations are confined to a single plane, rather than being in all directions.

2. How does polarisation occur?

Polarisation occurs when light is filtered or reflected in a specific way that blocks certain orientations of the electric field. This is often achieved through the use of polarising filters or materials with specific optical properties.

3. What types of polarisation are there?

There are three main types of polarisation: linear, circular, and elliptical. Linear polarisation occurs when the electric field oscillations are confined to a single plane. Circular polarisation occurs when the electric field oscillations rotate in a circular motion. Elliptical polarisation is a combination of both linear and circular polarisation.

4. Why is polarisation important?

Polarisation is important in many scientific and technological applications. It is used in optical instruments such as microscopes and cameras to reduce glare and improve image quality. It is also used in communication systems to transmit and receive polarised signals.

5. Can polarisation be changed?

Yes, polarisation can be changed through the use of polarising filters or by altering the angle of the light wave relative to the filter or material. Some materials also have the ability to change the polarisation of light through the application of an external electric or magnetic field.

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