Polarization of Electromagnetic wave

[najeeb]

Dear friends i know that a wave is linearly polarized if its components have a phase difference of n*∏ and is circularly polarized if phase difference is n*∏/2. But what if phase difference is neither ∏ nor ∏/2? like for E= a_x exp(-j(βy-∏/4)) + a_zexp(-j(βy-∏/2))... thanks in advance...

 

[sophiecentaur]

Try Elliptical?
It's the term used in RF.

 

[najeeb]

Try Elliptical?
It's the term used in RF.

In eliptical polarization there is a phase difference of n*∏/2 and the amplitudes of the components are different.

 

[sophiecentaur]

Both ways will produce elliptical polarisation. After all, it's only adding / resolving vectors.
[Edit: look at some Lissajous Figures, they will show the way that patterns can be obtained. They are directly analogous to what happens with polarisation]

 

[sardar]

Hello,

Thank you for your question about polarization of electromagnetic waves. You are correct that a wave is considered linearly polarized if its components have a phase difference of n*∏ and circularly polarized if the phase difference is n*∏/2. However, there are other types of polarization that can occur when the phase difference is not exactly ∏ or ∏/2.

One type of polarization is called elliptical polarization, where the components have a phase difference between ∏/2 and ∏. This type of polarization can be seen in certain types of light, such as from a laser or from certain crystals, and is characterized by the electric field vector tracing out an ellipse as the wave propagates.

Another type of polarization is called linearly elliptical polarization, where the components have a phase difference of n*∏/4. This type of polarization is a combination of linear and elliptical polarizations and can also be seen in certain types of light.

In general, the polarization of an electromagnetic wave depends on the relative phases and amplitudes of its components. So, if the phase difference is something other than ∏ or ∏/2, the resulting polarization will be a combination of linear, circular, and/or elliptical polarizations.

I hope this helps to clarify the different types of polarization that can occur in electromagnetic waves. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Best,