How Does a Mooney Rhomb Convert Linear Light to Circular Polarized Light?

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SUMMARY

A Mooney rhomb is a quadrilateral prism specifically designed to convert linear light into circularly polarized light through the process of total internal reflection (TIR). The critical phase change required for this conversion is π/4, achieved through two instances of TIR within the rhomb. The discussion highlights the mathematical relationship governing the phase difference between S and P polarizations, articulated through the equation: tan(del/2) = cos(A) * sqrt(sin²(A) - (nt/ni)²) / sin²(A), where A represents the incident angle, nt is the transmitted index, and ni is the incident index.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of total internal reflection (TIR)
  • Familiarity with Snell's law
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry
  • Concept of polarization in optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of total internal reflection in optical devices
  • Research the Fresnel rhomb and its comparison with the Mooney rhomb
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of phase differences in polarized light
  • Learn about applications of circularly polarized light in optics
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Optics students, physicists, and engineers interested in the manipulation of light polarization and the design of optical devices.

andrewm
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Homework Statement



A Mooney rhomb is a quadrilateral prism that converts linear light to circular polarized light. The question is here:

http://books.google.ca/books?id=SL1...hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result"

Homework Equations



Trigonometry. Snell's law.

The Attempt at a Solution



Total internal reflection must occur at the edge of the rhomb. The total phase change due to TIR must be pi/4. But there are too many equations, and too few constraints!
 
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I think the Mooney Rhomb accomplishes the same feat as the Fresnal rhomb.
But, here is the equation to find the difference in the angle between the S and P polarization:

tan(del/2)=cosA*sqrt(sin^2(A)-(nt/ni)^2)/sin^2(A)

Where A is the incident angle, nt is transmitted index, ni is incident index, and del is the phase difference produced between the two types of polarizations.

For the Mooney Rhomb there are two TIR's and each needs to produce pi/4 phase difference for circularly polarized light to be produced.
 

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