Calculating the degree of polarization of reflecting light

In summary, the conversation is about finding an equation that can calculate the degree of polarization of reflected light using the incidence angle and refractive indexes as inputs. The speaker mentions an online article with a graph showing the relationship between the degree of polarization and incidence angle, which is related to Brewster's angle. They speculate that the graph is derived from Fresnel/Snells equations. They also mention a link to an article about Brewster's angle and highlight the complexity of finding an exact equation for birefringent and absorbing minerals.
  • #1
kaasisdebaas
4
0
I am looking for in an equation that's spits out the degree of polarization of reflected light, with incidence angle and the refractive indexes as inputs.
an article online article had this graph decribing the degree of polarization as a value between 0 and 1 plotted against the angle of incidence.
EWsls.png

This is related to Brewsters angle, where light with an incidence angle of around 53 degrees is completely polarized when reflecting off water. my guess is that the above graph can be deduced from Fresnel/Snells equations.
Any help finding an exact equation is appreciated.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #3
This depends also on the material. The most general formula for birefringent and absorbing minerals is exceedingly complex.
 

1. What is the degree of polarization of reflecting light?

The degree of polarization of reflecting light is a measure of the extent to which the light is polarized after reflecting off a surface. It is a value between 0 and 1, where 0 represents completely unpolarized light and 1 represents fully polarized light.

2. How is the degree of polarization calculated?

The degree of polarization is calculated by measuring the intensity of light in two perpendicular directions (parallel and perpendicular to the direction of polarization) and using the formula: (Iparallel - Iperpendicular) / (Iparallel + Iperpendicular), where I is the intensity of light.

3. What factors can affect the degree of polarization of reflecting light?

The degree of polarization can be affected by the angle of incidence, the surface roughness of the reflecting material, and the wavelength of the light. For example, light reflected at a glancing angle will have a higher degree of polarization compared to light reflected at a perpendicular angle.

4. Why is calculating the degree of polarization important?

Calculating the degree of polarization is important in various fields such as optics, astronomy, and remote sensing. It can provide information about the properties of the reflecting surface, the direction of light propagation, and the polarization state of the incident light.

5. Can the degree of polarization of reflecting light be greater than 1?

No, the degree of polarization cannot be greater than 1. A value of 1 represents fully polarized light, and any value above 1 would indicate a higher degree of polarization, which is not physically possible.

Similar threads

Brewster's angle and the intensity of reflected light
    • Optics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Brewster's Angle and P-Polarization in Laser Design
    • Optics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Transmission of polarized light
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
883
Polarized light from any suface?
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Does a Single Metal Stripe Reflect Polarized Light at the Angle of Incidence?
    • Optics
Replies
8
Views
1K
Intensity of p-polarized light through stack of plates
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Calculate the desired incident polarization of a light beam
    • Optics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Optics - Re-aligning P Polarization with Brewster Windows
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Exploring the Refractive Index of Asphalt: Polarization and Brewster's Angle
    • Optics
Replies
12
Views
6K
Reflected Light at 3D Angle: Shift in Polarization
    • Optics
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top