Difference in polarization with birefringence substance and polarization filter

In summary, the experiments involving polarization using polaroids and birefringence cellophane and the one using three polaroids demonstrate the use of different materials to control the polarization of light.
  • #1
boladore
10
0
Hi there.
Sorry for my poor English first.

I have been reading chapter about polarization in Feynman Lectures on Physics.

There is a experiment about polarization using 2 polaroids and birefringence cellophane located between two polaroids.
optic axis of two polaroids are 0 and 90 in degree, and cellophane's is 45 in degree.
As you know, polarized light can travel through the three substances.
According to my view, it can be explained by using birefringence property of cellophane.
In Feynman lectures, birefringence can be explained by demonstrating arrangement of molecule and its way of accelerating electrons. in my view, it seems superficially that it isn't with probability problems.

But what about this case?
http://alienryderflex.com/polarizer/

this experiment uses three polaroids. it saids, it can be explained by using probability theory.

In these situations, What similarity do cellophane in the first experiment and middle polaroid in the second experiment have?

regards and sorry for my poor English again.
 
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  • #2
The similarity between the two experiments is that they both involve media that can be used to polarize light. In the first experiment, the cellophane is birefringent, meaning that it has two different indices of refraction for light of different polarizations. This allows some light to pass through the cellophane while blocking other light. In the second experiment, the middle polaroid is also used to selectively allow certain polarizations of light to pass through while blocking others. In this way, these two experiments demonstrate how different materials can be used to control the polarization of light.
 

1. What is birefringence and how does it affect polarization?

Birefringence is a phenomenon in which light passing through certain materials is split into two polarized rays with different refractive indices. This means that the two rays travel at different speeds through the material, resulting in a difference in polarization.

2. How does a birefringent substance differ from a polarizing filter?

A birefringent substance is a material that naturally splits light into two polarized rays, while a polarizing filter is a man-made material that selectively blocks one of the polarized rays. This allows only one polarized ray to pass through, resulting in a more controlled and consistent polarization.

3. How does the orientation of a birefringent substance affect polarization?

The orientation of a birefringent substance can greatly affect polarization. When light passes through a birefringent substance perpendicular to its optic axis, the two polarized rays will have equal intensity. However, if the light passes through at an angle, the two rays will have different intensities, resulting in a difference in polarization.

4. Can birefringence and polarization filters be used together?

Yes, birefringent substances and polarization filters can be used together to control and manipulate the polarization of light. By adjusting the orientation and combination of these materials, scientists can create various polarized light effects for research and practical applications.

5. How is birefringence and polarization used in everyday products?

Birefringence and polarization filters are commonly used in everyday products such as sunglasses, LCD screens, and 3D glasses. In these products, polarization is used to reduce glare and improve visual clarity, while birefringence is used to create the 3D effect in movies and images.

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