Polarisation vector vs spin vector

[Neitrino]

In what relation to each other are the direction of spin vector and direction of polarisation vector... for example of a photon ?

 

[Vanadium 50]

They are at right angles to each other.

 

[sir-pinski]

The direction of the spin vector and the direction of the polarisation vector are closely related to each other, especially in the case of a photon. The spin vector refers to the intrinsic angular momentum of a particle, such as a photon, and is represented by a vector pointing in the direction of the particle's spin. On the other hand, the polarisation vector refers to the direction of the electric field oscillations of a photon, and is also represented by a vector.

In the case of a photon, the direction of the spin vector is always perpendicular to the direction of the polarisation vector. This means that if the polarisation vector is pointing vertically, the spin vector will be pointing horizontally, and vice versa. This relationship is known as the helicity of the photon.

Additionally, the direction of the spin vector and the direction of the polarisation vector determine the overall polarisation state of a photon. For example, if the spin vector and polarisation vector are parallel, the photon is said to be in a circularly polarised state. If they are perpendicular, the photon is in a linearly polarised state.

In summary, the direction of the spin vector and the direction of the polarisation vector are related to each other in determining the properties and polarisation state of a photon. Understanding this relationship is crucial in the study of electromagnetic radiation and its behaviour.