Polarization Filters: What are They & Where to Learn More

[Catch22meifucan]

I wanted to learn more about the makeup of polarization filter I read somewhere that they are organic molecules that are lined up in very thin rows very close to each other. Is this true and would you be able to recommend some resources to learn more about polarization filters?

 

[davenn]

I wanted to learn more about the makeup of polarization filter I read somewhere that they are organic molecules that are lined up in very thin rows very close to each other. Is this true and would you be able to recommend some resources to learn more about polarization filters?

there may be some made up that way, but I'm picking they would be for specialist applications

sunglasses, and camera filters for example are in general, not

have a read here for a start...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizer#Circular_polarizers

edit: and this link ...
https://www.quora.com/How-are-circular-polarization-filters-made

Dave

 

[sophiecentaur]

sunglasses, and camera filters for example are in general, not

Is that a fact? How are they made? They are very thin and I don't understand how they can be based on Brewster angle. (That Wiki reference glosses over that bit)

 

[Andy Resnick]

I wanted to learn more about the makeup of polarization filter I read somewhere that they are organic molecules that are lined up in very thin rows very close to each other. Is this true and would you be able to recommend some resources to learn more about polarization filters?

Modern Polaroid film, a common polarizer, consists of aligned polymers impregnated with iodine:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaroid_(polarizer)

But that's not the only kind of polarizer. Circular polarizers, common in photographic filters and Real-D 3D glasses https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RealD_3D) , add a quarter-wave retarder to the polarizer. Polarizing sunglasses (non-Polaroid brand) typically incorporate a polarizing material similar to Polaroid, but sufficiently different to avoid patent issues.

In infrared applications polarizers are very different, in the extreme limit (far-IR, 100um or so) arrays of parallel wires are used.

Not sure what a good reference is- what's your comfort level?