How are polarization test cards created for proving polarized glasses?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the creation of polarization test cards used to verify the polarization of glasses. Participants explore various methods and materials that could be employed in the production of these cards, including the potential use of special inks, films, and other substances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the materials used in polarization test cards, suggesting the possibility of special inks or paints.
  • One participant proposes that a thin polarized film, similar to that used in polarized sunglasses, might be laminated onto the test card.
  • Another participant mentions having small polarized sheets and expresses uncertainty about their suitability for testing.
  • A participant shares an observation that polarized glasses can be tested by viewing screens at different angles, noting the effectiveness of both linear and circular polarizing filters.
  • One participant describes the mechanism of circularly polarized films on screens and how they interact with light, detailing the absorption and reflection processes involved.
  • Some participants reference online searches for information about polarized cards, indicating a lack of clarity or consensus on the specifics of their creation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of uncertainty regarding the materials and methods for creating polarization test cards. There is no consensus on the exact processes or substances involved, and multiple viewpoints are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention different types of polarization (linear and circular) and their implications for testing glasses, but the discussion does not resolve the technical details or assumptions regarding the creation of test cards.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the properties of polarized light, materials science, or individuals looking to create or understand polarization test cards for practical applications.

LightningInAJar
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I could swear I saw this topic in the forum in the past but haven't found it today. I was curious how polarization test cards are made to prove that a pair of glasses are polarized. Special ink or paint? What is that type of substance called or commonly used for? I'd love to use it for art. Does it require special paper medium? Anyone ever make printer ink cartridges with an ink invisible only without polarized glasses?
 
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LightningInAJar said:
I was curious how polarization test cards are made to prove that a pair of glasses are polarized. Special ink or paint?
Chemistry could print a circular molecular polarizer, but how might you align a linearly polarized ink?

My guess is that a thin polarized film is laminated onto the test card, the same film as used to make polarized sunglasses.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizer#Absorptive_polarizers
"Its current H-sheet form is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) plastic with an iodine doping. Stretching of the sheet during manufacture causes the PVA chains to align in one particular direction".
 
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I actually have a few small polarized sheets. Not sure if they're the right kind but will see.
 
LightningInAJar said:
I actually have a few small polarized sheets. Not sure if they're the right kind but will see.
The "right kind" to do what?
 
LightningInAJar said:
I was curious how polarization test cards are made to prove that a pair of glasses are polarized.
I have no answer to your particular question, but in case you weren't aware of it, I just wanted to say that glasses can often be tested for polarization by looking with them at a screen (tv, computer etc) at different angles. I've noticed this since I often wear sunglasses :smile:.

Regarding linear and circular polarization I just fetched two of of my polarizing filters (one linear, one circular) for camera lenses and tested them on my screen, and they both worked:

1. Linear polarizing filter (at different angles):

1a.jpg


1b.jpg


1c.jpg


2. Circular polarizing filter (at different angles):

2a.jpg


2b.jpg


2c.jpg
 
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Screens are now often clad in a circularly polarized film. Incident light, say LHP entering, is absorbed on the first pass, so only RHP survives to be reflected. But the reflection reverses the CP hand, to make the RHP reflect as LHP, which is absorbed on the second pass through the filter. That process of reversal, also operates on multiple internal reflections, which is why you no longer see your reflection in your computer monitor.

Direct reflection from the front surface of the CP film is also reduced by a multi-layer coating of that surface, with quarter-wave thicknesses of impedance matching materials.
 
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It's done with polarizing film. How do I know? I asked Google. "how are polarized cards made" Zillions of hits,

You really should try Google sometime.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
It's done with polarizing film. How do I know? I asked Google. "how are polarized cards made" Zillions of hits,

You really should try Google sometime.
I did. I even asked a company that sells them. The sales guy had no idea.
 
I guess Google just deliberately refused to give you the answer. Bad Google! Bad, naughty Google!
 
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