Polarized Light and Filters: Understanding the Basics

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the nature of polarized light and the function of polarizing filters. The user inquires whether the filters are literal slats oriented at specific angles and seeks clarification on the behavior of linear polarized waves when interacting with polar filters. It is established that polarizing filters indeed allow only light waves aligned with their orientation to pass through, effectively blocking others, which explains why a 90-degree polarized wave is blocked by a filter set at 180 degrees.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polarized light and its properties
  • Knowledge of the function and design of polarizing filters
  • Familiarity with wave behavior in optics
  • Basic principles of light polarization
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of light polarization and its applications
  • Explore the design and types of polarizing filters used in optics
  • Learn about the mathematical representation of polarized light waves
  • Investigate real-world applications of polarized light in photography and LCD technology
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, educators teaching physics concepts, and professionals in fields utilizing polarized light, such as photography and display technology.

QuarkCharmer
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Homework Statement


Not really a problem, but a question that my professor could not answer (Well the TA).

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



In an image such as this, illustrating polarized light:
r.Polarization.Circularly.Polarized.Light_Circular.Polarizer_Creating.Left.Handed.Helix.View.svg.png


I have 2 questions.
1.) Are the filters illustrated with slats as an analogy, or are the filters quite literally tiny slats in a particular angle that enable only a certain portion of the wave through?

2.) If a linear polarized wave at let's say 90 degrees passes through a polar filter which allows only 180 degree waves to pass, why is it blocked? It seems to me like a little bit of light would sputter out proportional to the frequency.
 
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Disregard this, I found what I was looking for. Thanks
 

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