Can a wave rotate about its axis?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of whether a transverse wave can rotate about its longitudinal axis, akin to an airplane's roll maneuver. Participants explore the implications of such a rotation, particularly in the context of light waves and diffraction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of a transverse wave rotating about its longitudinal axis, suggesting that while it may not have practical effects, the idea is worth exploring.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of wave rotation, indicating that what may be perceived as rotation could be more accurately described in terms of vector behavior.
  • A participant introduces the concept of circularly polarized light as a form of wave behavior that aligns with the idea of rotation.
  • Discussion includes methods to make linearly polarized light rotate, such as passing it through optically active materials or using the magnetic Faraday effect.
  • Practical applications of circularly polarized light are mentioned, including its use in ellipsometry and photography.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of wave rotation, with some supporting the idea through examples like circular polarization, while others question the terminology and implications of such rotation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of wave rotation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference complex theories and materials, indicating a need for clarity on the definitions and assumptions related to wave behavior and polarization.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying optics, wave mechanics, or anyone curious about the properties of light and its applications in technology.

bomba923
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Can a wave rotate about its axis??

Can a transverse wave "rotate" about its longitudial axis (kind of like an airplane's "roll" maneuver)?

If it could, i don't think we could detect it; if it did, i don't think anything will really get affected. But could it?? Not that it would...i mean, there's nothing making it rotate (or is there something??)...but could it?

For example, when light diffracts in the air--well, it spreads, but could the wave itself "rotate" about its longitudinal axis (with all that spreading and diffracting)? not that it would affect anything, but could it??
 
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bomba923 said:
Can a transverse wave "rotate" about its longitudial axis (kind of like an airplane's "roll" maneuver)?

U refer to a plane wave...??I wouldn't call that "wave rotation".Other things wan rotate,e.g.VECTORS... :wink:

bomba923 said:
For example, when light diffracts in the air--well, it spreads,

Can u please expose shortly the theory which asserts that light diffracts in the air...?Maybe i should read again those 350 pages in Born & Wolf...

Daniel.
 
A circularly polarized light wave does what you want.
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
To make a linearly polarized beam rotate, you make it go through an "optically active" material or use the magnetic Faraday effect. The difference between the two are being discussed here :

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=62808

Though the effect is not very important in natural systems, it is extremely important for many optical devices.
 
Circular polarisers are used in photography to deepen blue skies and reduce reflections on plane surfaces, - linear polarisers do the same job but tend to interfere with autofocus and TTL metering systems.
 

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