Circularly polarized light rotation rate

AI Thread Summary
The rotation rate of the electric field vector in circularly polarized light is directly proportional to the light's frequency, with the angular velocity of rotation calculated as 2πf. This means that blue light, having a higher frequency, rotates faster than red light. Observers, regardless of their relative velocities, will agree on the rotation rate of a beam of circularly polarized light, as the speed of light remains constant for all observers. However, changes in frequency due to red-shift or blue-shift can affect the perceived rotation rate. Understanding these principles is essential for discussions on the behavior of light in the context of relativity.
Clovis
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I have a question about circularly polarized light. Is the rate at which the electric field vector rotates proportional to the light’s frequency, or is the rate of rotation unrelated to the light’s frequency?

What got me wondering about this was thinking about relativity: Since all observers (no matter what their relative velocities) view a beam of light traveling at the same speed, would all observers also agree on the rotation rate of a beam of circularly polarized light? Or would they see different rotation rates (due to red-shift/blue-shift changes in beam frequency)?

Answers and/or references to answers greatly appreciated!


- Clovis
 
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The vectors rotate once per cycle. Pretty damn fast, in the case of light.
 
The angular velocity of rotation equals 2\pi f, where f is the frequency.
Blue light would rotate faster than red.
 
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