Is Fluorescent Lighting Polarized?

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In summary, the conversation is about the polarization of fluorescent lighting. The question is posed if fluorescent lighting, found in energy saving light bulbs and lamps, is polarized. One person suggests buying a cheap polarized filter to test it out, while another explains that the light emitted from fluorescent lighting is due to stimulated emission and is therefore random and not polarized.
  • #1
cchan
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Hi,

I've tried looking everywhere for the answer to this, and would be fantastic if anyone could help me.

Is fluorescent lighting (found in energy saving light bulbs/lamps) polarized?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Surely you can buy a cheap polarized filter and see for yourself?
 
  • #3
No ..
The light we see from a fluourescent is due to stimulated emmission from the atoms of a phospher coating on the inside of the tube. Photons in the ultra violet are generated by the electrical excitation of mercury vapor inside the tube, these photons strike the phosphers atoms, raising their energy state forcing them to emit photons in the same direction as the photon that struct them in the visible light range. As the photons created by the excitation of the mercury are random .. the resulting "white" light is random as well .. hence not polarized ...
 

1. What is a fluorescent light polarized?

A fluorescent light polarized is a type of light that emits polarized light waves. These light waves have a specific orientation, which can be either vertical, horizontal, or at an angle. This polarization is achieved by using polarizing filters in the light fixture.

2. How does a fluorescent light polarized work?

A fluorescent light polarized works by using a polarizing filter, which is a material that only allows light waves with a specific orientation to pass through. The light waves from the fluorescent bulb pass through the polarizing filter, which blocks out all the light waves except for the ones with the desired polarization. This results in a polarized light beam.

3. What are the benefits of using a fluorescent light polarized?

There are several benefits to using a fluorescent light polarized. One of the main benefits is that it reduces glare, making it easier to see objects and reducing eye strain. It also enhances color contrast, making colors appear more vivid and true to life. Additionally, it can improve visual clarity and reduce flickering, which is common in non-polarized fluorescent lights.

4. How is a fluorescent light polarized different from a regular fluorescent light?

A fluorescent light polarized differs from a regular fluorescent light in that it uses a polarizing filter to produce a polarized light beam. This results in reduced glare and improved color contrast. Regular fluorescent lights do not have a polarizing filter and emit light in all directions, which can cause glare and reduce visual clarity.

5. Where are fluorescent light polarized commonly used?

Fluorescent light polarized are commonly used in places where glare reduction and improved visual clarity are important, such as in art galleries, museums, and offices. They are also used in photography and film production to enhance color contrast and reduce glare. Additionally, they are commonly used in sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility in bright environments.

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