Finding directions of fast axis to cause circular polarisation

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 1K views
Kaguro
Messages
221
Reaction score
57
Homework Statement
Let ## \vec E = (3 \hat i + 4 \hat j) exp[i(\omega t-kz)] ## represent an electromagnetic wave. Possible directions of the fast axis of a quarter wave plate which converts this wave into a circular wave are:


a) ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ 7 \hat i + \hat j] ## and ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ -\hat i + \hat j] ##


b) ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ 3 \hat i -4 \hat j] ## and ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ 4\hat i -3 \hat j] ##


c) ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ 3 \hat i -4 \hat j] ## and ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ 4\hat i + 3\hat j] ##


a) ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ 7 \hat i - \hat j] ## and ##\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[ \hat i + 7\hat j] ##
Relevant Equations
None
The only thing I can think of is that to create a circularly polarized wave the axes of the quarter wave plate will have to be at 45 degrees to the E vector. Only then it can have both components on the slow and fast axis equal. Then the slow axis will cause delay and the resulting vector will rotate circularly. So the dot product of ##\vec E## with the axes should be equal.

The answer given is (c). But I don't know why.
Any guidance will be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
45, 135, 225, 315 degree vector to ##(3,4)## are
[tex](-1,7),(7,1),(1,-7),(-7,-1)[/tex]
with normalization factor ##\frac{1}{5\sqrt{2}}## multiplied. I am afraid they are not in choice (a) to (d).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Kaguro
Just a misprint then.

Thank you for clearing my doubt.