Reading optics diagrams: Glan-Taylor

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion in understanding optics diagrams, specifically the Glan-Taylor prism. The question is raised about the meaning of the up and down arrow versus the dot, and how they relate to vertical and horizontal polarization and s and p polarization. The individual has a book for reference, but is unsure of which part explains the basics of reading these diagrams. The conversation also mentions the concept of p-polarization and its transmission at the Brewster angle, as well as the possibility of total reflection for both polarization components. For more information, the individual is directed to a resource for definitions of s and p polarization states.
  • #1
pinkfishegg
57
3
Hi everyone. This isn't for a class but more for lab work. I'm confused on how to read optics diagrams to understand this Glan-Taylor prism, specifically the up and down arrow vs the dot. Does the arrow pointing up and down mean that it is vertically polarized. Is the dot horizontally polarized. What is the relation between vertical and horizontal polarization and s and p polarization.

I have the book Hecht optics volume 4 and am looking at it for reference. I see pictures like this a lot but am unsure which part explains the basics of how to read these diagrams. Thanks and happy New Year
 

Attachments

  • Glan-taylor.png
    Glan-taylor.png
    2.4 KB · Views: 395
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
The parallel polarization (electric field component in the plane of incident and reflected rays) is p-polarization, and gets 100% transmission at the Brewster angle, and a partial transmission of the perpendicular (s) polarization. ## \\ ## If the angle of incidence is past the critical angle though, (it is difficult to tell from this), there will be 100% reflection for both polarizations, except in the case of frustrated total internal reflection. In that case though, I don't know how it affects the two polarization components. ## \\ ## See https://www.edmundoptics.eu/resources/faqs/optics/polarizers/what-is-the-difference-between-s--and-p-polarization-states/ for definitions.
 
Last edited:

1. What is a Glan-Taylor prism?

A Glan-Taylor prism is a type of polarizing prism used in optical experiments and instruments. It consists of two right-angled prisms that are cemented together with an air gap in between. The surfaces of the prisms are coated with a special polarizing material, allowing only light of a specific polarization to pass through the prism.

2. How does a Glan-Taylor prism work?

A Glan-Taylor prism works by using the phenomenon of double refraction. When unpolarized light enters the prism, it is split into two beams of light with perpendicular polarizations. One beam passes through the prism while the other is reflected at a 90-degree angle. The beams then recombine at the exit surface of the prism, resulting in linearly polarized light.

3. What are the advantages of using a Glan-Taylor prism?

One of the main advantages of using a Glan-Taylor prism is its high extinction ratio, which is the ratio of the intensity of the transmitted light to the intensity of the rejected light. This results in a very clean and pure polarized beam of light. Glan-Taylor prisms also have a wide acceptance angle, making them less sensitive to the alignment of the incident light compared to other polarizing prisms.

4. What are some common applications of Glan-Taylor prisms?

Glan-Taylor prisms have various applications in research and industry, including polarimetry, ellipsometry, and optical communication. They are also used in laser systems to control the polarization of the laser beam. Glan-Taylor prisms are also commonly found in polarizing microscopes, which are used to study the optical properties of materials.

5. How do you read a Glan-Taylor prism diagram?

A Glan-Taylor prism diagram typically consists of two triangles representing the two prisms, with arrows indicating the direction of light propagation. The light enters through the hypotenuse of the first prism, splits into two beams, and then recombines at the hypotenuse of the second prism. The dashed lines represent the polarization direction of the light before and after passing through the prism. The angle between the polarization direction and the prism surface is known as the prism angle, which is an important parameter to consider when using a Glan-Taylor prism.

Similar threads

I Image appears outside of q -- Lens Maker's Equation confusion
    • Optics
Replies
17
Views
2K
Physics Lost undergrad looking for advice on career path and grad school
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
5
Views
865
Explore Polarized Light: Tilted Polarizer Effects
    • Optics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Longitudinal/transverse modes in optical cavity (resonator)
    • Optics
Replies
2
Views
2K
B Feynman Diagrams: Uncovering the Issue
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Request for Input: 2D Minkowski Spacetime Diagram Generator
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
1K
Sound Wave Interference and Finding the Path Differences with Diagrams
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
Fiber coupling efficiency and general questions regarding ZEMAX
    • General Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
Impact of Atmospheric Pressure on the Water in a Tank and a Pipe
    • General Engineering
Replies
6
Views
4K
Ward-Takahashi identities at tree level in scalar QED
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top