Photon's Probability of Passing Through Polaroid

[eren.kizildag]

When I am studying photon physics, one question come to my mind about mixed states. Let a photon be in the state |h> = (a;b) where (a;b) is a column vector with complex entries. How can we calculate the probability of its passing through an x-polaroid?

My approach: p(h->x) = |<h|x>||<h|x>|* = |a|^2.

But I'm not sure about it.. Can anyone check this idea whether it is true or not.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Do you mean an "x- polarized" film? "Polaroid" is a copyrighted brand name.