Polarizers and Analyzers in optics

[Ian Baughman]

If we have a polarizer and an analyzer where the angle between the two axes is ∅ then we can find the intensity using Malus's Law.

The intensity after the polarizer would be:

(1/2)I₀​

After the Analyzer we could have an intensity of:

(1/2)I₀cos²(∅)​

What would happen though if ∅ = 0. Would the analyzer have any effect on the light intensity?

 

[anorlunda]

In theory, no it would not. But that assumes ideal 100% transparency.