Will two orthogonally polarized light beams interfere?

In summary, when two beams with vertical and horizontal polarization are combined, they cannot create a interference pattern. However, if they are phase coherent, there may be a plane of polarization where interference can be observed. This is in accordance with the Fresnel-Arago laws, which refer to readily observed interference and do not exclude the possibility entirely. This concept can also be applied to radio transmissions, which may not be as glamorous as laser photons, but can still help in predicting wave behavior.
  • #1
entropy111
3
0
If Beam A (BA) is polarized vertically, and Beam B (BB) is polarized horizontally, can BA and BB still create an interference pattern if put together.

For example, in Youngs Double Slit experiment, say BA goes through Slit 1, and BB goes through Slit 2: will an interference pattern result?

Thank you,

cb
 
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  • #3
Two fields at right angles to each other (as in the transverse fields of an EM wave) cannot add vectorially to produce zero - so you cannot get a zero of power in any direction. The two waves will, however, superpose (as always) and, if the two beams are phase coherent, there will be a plane of polarisation in which interference can be observed. It may be easier to think in terms of two transmitting dipoles, placed apart and at right angles. You can expect to find cancellations and nulls but also elliptical polarisation in some directions.
This doesn't conflict with the F-A Laws, which refer to "readily observed" interference and don't exclude the possibility, totally. I have a feeling that Fresnel did not have radio transmissions in mind when he drew up the laws. Mundane old CW, RF signals may not be as sexy as photons from lasers but they really can help in making good predictions about the way waves are likely to behave.
 

1. What is orthogonal polarization of light?

Orthogonal polarization of light refers to the orientation of the electric and magnetic fields of light waves, which are perpendicular to each other. In other words, the oscillations of the electric field are perpendicular to the oscillations of the magnetic field. This results in light waves having two perpendicular components, known as the s-polarization and p-polarization.

2. How do two orthogonally polarized light beams interfere?

When two light beams with orthogonal polarization intersect, they behave as two independent waves. The electric and magnetic fields of each beam add up to create an interference pattern. This pattern can either be constructive, where the amplitudes of the waves add up, or destructive, where the amplitudes cancel each other out.

3. What factors affect the interference of two orthogonally polarized light beams?

The interference of two orthogonally polarized light beams is affected by several factors, including the angle at which the beams intersect, the intensity of the beams, and the wavelength of the light. The properties of the material through which the beams pass can also affect the interference pattern.

4. What is the significance of studying the interference of two orthogonally polarized light beams?

Studying the interference of two orthogonally polarized light beams is important in various fields, such as optics, telecommunications, and quantum mechanics. Understanding how light waves interact and interfere with each other can help us develop new technologies and improve existing ones.

5. How can the interference of two orthogonally polarized light beams be applied in real-world applications?

The interference of two orthogonally polarized light beams has numerous practical applications. It is used in optical communication systems, where it allows for the transmission of multiple signals through a single fiber optic cable. It is also used in devices such as polarizers, interferometers, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs). In quantum mechanics, it is used to study the behavior of entangled photons, which has potential applications in quantum computing and cryptography.

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