Polarized light and refraction

In summary, the conversation centered around the topic of polarized light and its refraction at an interface between two different media. It was discussed that the polarization of the light does not affect whether or not it refracts at the surface, but it can have an impact if the material is birefringent. The angle of refraction is determined by Snell's law, independent of the light's polarization. The conditions for continuity of normal and tangential components of electric and magnetic fields were also mentioned in relation to refraction.
  • #1
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polarized light and refraction!

Hi guys

I need to discuss the polarized light in the waveguide and its refraction at an interface between two different media.
if the light is polarized like in the picture(see attached) and oscillating only up and down (linear polarization), then does the light will be refracted at the interface or not?

my idea is that although the interface is tilted, the angle between electric field and the interface is normal, then no refraction.

I will appreciate if somebody is interested in this problem.
 

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  • #3


The light will be refracted and the angle is given by Snells law independent on it's polarization (as long as the material is not birefringent). Polarization only affects the ratio of light being reflected/ transmitted.
 
  • #4


just apply the condition of continuity of normal component of D and continuity of tangential component of E across the interface.see if it does give rise to any refraction amplitude.
 
  • #5


Hello,

Thank you for bringing up this interesting topic. I can provide some insights on polarized light and refraction.

Firstly, let's define what polarized light is. Light is an electromagnetic wave, meaning it has both electric and magnetic components. When light is polarized, it means that the electric field of the wave oscillates in a specific direction. In the case of linear polarization, the electric field oscillates only in one plane, either vertically or horizontally.

Now, when it comes to refraction, it is the bending of light as it passes through an interface between two different media. This bending occurs due to the change in the speed of light as it travels through different materials. The degree of refraction depends on the angle at which the light hits the interface, as well as the properties of the materials it is passing through.

In the scenario you have described, where the light is linearly polarized and the angle between the electric field and the interface is normal, there would be no refraction. This is because the polarization of light does not affect its speed, and the angle of incidence is not changing. However, if the angle of incidence is not normal, there could be some refraction depending on the properties of the materials involved.

In the case of a waveguide, where light is confined and guided through a specific path, the polarization of light can actually play a role in its behavior. This is because the waveguide can act as a filter for specific polarizations, allowing only certain polarizations to pass through and be transmitted.

I hope this helps to clarify the relationship between polarized light and refraction. It is a fascinating topic and there is still much to learn and understand about it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and sparking this discussion.
 

1. What is polarized light?

Polarized light is a type of light in which all of the light waves are vibrating in the same direction. This results in a more concentrated and intense light compared to unpolarized light where the waves vibrate in different directions.

2. How does light become polarized?

Light becomes polarized when it reflects off a surface at a specific angle, known as the Brewster's angle. This angle causes the light to vibrate in one direction, resulting in polarized light.

3. What is the difference between linear and circular polarized light?

Linear polarized light has waves that vibrate in one direction, while circular polarized light has waves that rotate in a circular motion. This difference is due to the orientation of the light waves and can be observed through specialized filters.

4. How is polarized light used in everyday life?

Polarized light is commonly used in sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility. It is also used in LCD screens of electronic devices to control the transmission of light and produce images.

5. What is refraction?

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes through a medium with a different density, such as air to water. This bending of light is caused by a change in the speed of light as it travels through different mediums.

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