Polarization: ratio of transmitted to incident intensity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the ratio of transmitted intensity to incident intensity for unpolarized light passing through three polarizers with angles q1 = 110°, q2 = 230°, and q3 = 370°. Using Malus' Law, the intensity ratio is determined as S/S0 = cos²(71°), resulting in a final value of 0.11. The calculation involves sequentially applying the angles of each polarizer to find the transmitted intensity after each stage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Malus' Law for polarized light
  • Knowledge of angles in degrees and their application in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of unpolarized versus polarized light
  • Basic trigonometry for calculating cosine values
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Malus' Law in different polarization scenarios
  • Explore the effects of varying angles on transmitted intensity through multiple polarizers
  • Investigate applications of polarization in optical devices
  • Learn about the behavior of light in various media and its interaction with polarizers
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the principles of light polarization and its practical applications.

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Homework Statement



A beam of unpolarized light is incident on a series of three polarizers as shown. The angle of the transmission axis of each polarizer is indicated by the dashed line, with q1 = 110, q2 =230, and q3 = 370 (all defined relative to vertical). What is the ratio of the transmitted intensity to the incident intensity?


Homework Equations



Malus' law S=S0cos2θ

The Attempt at a Solution



S/S0=cos2θ

θ=11°+23°+37°=71°

S/S0=cos2(71)=0.11
 
Physics news on Phys.org
After passing thru the first polarizer, what is the angle and intensity? Then, after passing thru the second polarizer, what is the angle and intensity? Finally, after passing thru the third polarizer, what is the angle and intensity?
 

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