Passing elliptically polarized light through a linear polarizer

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of elliptically polarized light when it passes through a linear polarizer. It is established that the intensity of the light varies as the polarizer is rotated, regardless of the phase difference between the two orthogonal components. The key point is that the major and minor axes of elliptical polarization remain perpendicular, leading to varying amplitudes detected by the linear polarizer. This phenomenon confirms that even with equal amplitudes, the output intensity will fluctuate based on the orientation of the polarizer.

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  • Understanding of elliptically polarized light
  • Knowledge of linear polarizers
  • Familiarity with light intensity and amplitude concepts
  • Basic principles of polarization in optics
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Niles
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Hi

Here (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=119847) it is mentioned that the intensity when passing elliptically polarized light through a linear polarizer will vary when turning the polarizer. Doesn't this only hold assuming the two components of the light are not equal? I mean, the elliptical light could consist of two equal, orthogonal components with a phase of e.g. 20 degrees, but since the amplitudes of the two orthogonal directions are equal, the output intensity shouldn't vary.


Niles.
 
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No, it's correct. The elliptical polarization always has its major and minor axes perpendicular to one another even for the 20 degree separation you suggest. The linear polarizer will analyze these very perpendicular axes at different (min and max) amplitudes.
 


I see it now, thanks!
 

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