Polarizers spectrum selectivity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the selectivity of polarizers and their interaction with light spectra. It is established that when light passes through a polarized filter at 0°, and then through a second filter at 45°, the output is approximately 50%, contrary to the initial claim of 85%. Polarizers have a defined selectivity curve, typically rated for wavelengths between 300nm and 800nm, covering the visible spectrum. The quantum formalism does account for the spectrum selectivity of filters, impacting the behavior of photons.

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beda pietanza
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I read that of what comes out of a polarized filter at 0° if we put one at 45° the output is 85% of the remainings photons.

My questions are:

1) what is the selectivity curve of the polarizers versus the light spectrum ?

2) is the output coming out from the second filter depend on the light frequency ?

3) the quantum formalism (that I ignore) does take into account the spectrum selectivity of the filters ?

4) the same arrengement of two filters in a row one at 0° and one at 45°
using very different two monocromatic light would give the same results ?

Thanks in advance,

best regards

beda pietanza
 
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beda pietanza said:
I read that of what comes out of a polarized filter at 0° if we put one at 45° the output is 85% of the remainings photons.

My questions are:

1) what is the selectivity curve of the polarizers versus the light spectrum ?

2) is the output coming out from the second filter depend on the light frequency ?

3) the quantum formalism (that I ignore) does take into account the spectrum selectivity of the filters ?

4) the same arrengement of two filters in a row one at 0° and one at 45°
using very different two monocromatic light would give the same results ?

Thanks in advance,

best regards

beda pietanza

Actually, at 45° the output is closer to 50%. The formula for photons is usually given as cos^2(theta).

As you suspect, there is a frequency range for polarizers, usually indicated by a stated wavelength. However, for commercial/experimental quality polarizers you aren't going to see any significant difference in performance across its rated range. For example, a linear polarizer for visible light might be rated from 300nm to 800nm (which is the entire visible spectrum, approx 400nm to 700nm).

If you have some specific questions about performance of optical components, I might suggest you register with the following site (it's free) and look around. I think it will help you to get a better idea of what is out there.

http://optical-components.globalspec.com/ProductFinder/Optics_Optical_Components
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks for the link,
my questions are generated from the sensation that all quantum weirdness may be the results of a combined aliatory outputs of filters or detectors or the aliatory nature of photons.

(aliatory=uncertain)

best regards

beda pietanza
 

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