Measuring the Polarisation of Light

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the measurement of linearly polarized light, specifically in the context of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). It clarifies that when measuring polarized light, it is the oscillating electric field (E-field) that aligns with the polarizing filter, as both the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular components of an electromagnetic wave. The conversation references the role of absorptive polarizers, particularly in relation to Polaroid films, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interaction between these fields and the filter orientation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic wave theory
  • Knowledge of linear polarization concepts
  • Familiarity with the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)
  • Basic principles of polarizing filters and absorptive polarizers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of electromagnetic waves and their components
  • Study the principles of linear polarization in optics
  • Explore the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and its significance in cosmology
  • Investigate the functionality of Polaroid films and their applications in polarizing light
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of light polarization and its applications in scientific research.

Miss_Astro
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Maybe this is a trivial question, I'm not sure, but when you measure linearly polarised light, such as that in the CMB which component of the light is 'measured'.

By this I mean is it the oscillating electric field or the oscillating magnetic field that is oscillating in the direction of the polarising filter. Of course the E and B fields (not to be confused with E and B modes) cannot occur independently as it is an 'Electromagnetic wave' but as they are perpendicular the polarising filter can then only lie in the direction of the oscillations of one of the components.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizer

If you are talking about Polaroid films, then you might be interested in the 6th paragraph in the section called "Absorptive polarizers"
 

Similar threads

Finding Fresnel coefficients from the interface conditions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What Are the Key Characteristics of Inertial Waves in Uniform Rotation?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Reflection and Transmission Intensity of randomly polarised light
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Direction of the magnetic field of an oscillating charge
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Graduate What exactly is the detector of an ellipsometer measuring?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Fresnel Coefficient for Unpolarised Light
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Polarisation of photons exiting a birefringent crystal
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Write down the equations for the real electric and magnetic fields for a
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Cause of polarisation due to reflection?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the direction of energy transfer in polarised light?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K