How are polarization test cards created for proving polarized glasses?

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Polarization test cards are typically created using thin polarized films, similar to those used in polarized sunglasses, which are made from materials like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with iodine doping. These films align in a specific direction during manufacturing, allowing them to effectively test the polarization of glasses. Users can also test the polarization of glasses by observing screens at various angles, as both linear and circular polarizing filters can demonstrate the effects of polarization. The discussion highlights the challenges in finding precise information about the creation of these test cards, with some participants suggesting that Google searches yield insufficient answers. Overall, the topic emphasizes the need for better understanding and resources regarding the production of polarization test cards.
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I could swear I saw this topic in the forum in the past but haven't found it today. I was curious how polarization test cards are made to prove that a pair of glasses are polarized. Special ink or paint? What is that type of substance called or commonly used for? I'd love to use it for art. Does it require special paper medium? Anyone ever make printer ink cartridges with an ink invisible only without polarized glasses?
 
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LightningInAJar said:
I was curious how polarization test cards are made to prove that a pair of glasses are polarized. Special ink or paint?
Chemistry could print a circular molecular polarizer, but how might you align a linearly polarized ink?

My guess is that a thin polarized film is laminated onto the test card, the same film as used to make polarized sunglasses.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizer#Absorptive_polarizers
"Its current H-sheet form is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) plastic with an iodine doping. Stretching of the sheet during manufacture causes the PVA chains to align in one particular direction".
 
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I actually have a few small polarized sheets. Not sure if they're the right kind but will see.
 
LightningInAJar said:
I actually have a few small polarized sheets. Not sure if they're the right kind but will see.
The "right kind" to do what?
 
LightningInAJar said:
I was curious how polarization test cards are made to prove that a pair of glasses are polarized.
I have no answer to your particular question, but in case you weren't aware of it, I just wanted to say that glasses can often be tested for polarization by looking with them at a screen (tv, computer etc) at different angles. I've noticed this since I often wear sunglasses :smile:.

Regarding linear and circular polarization I just fetched two of of my polarizing filters (one linear, one circular) for camera lenses and tested them on my screen, and they both worked:

1. Linear polarizing filter (at different angles):

1a.jpg


1b.jpg


1c.jpg


2. Circular polarizing filter (at different angles):

2a.jpg


2b.jpg


2c.jpg
 
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Screens are now often clad in a circularly polarized film. Incident light, say LHP entering, is absorbed on the first pass, so only RHP survives to be reflected. But the reflection reverses the CP hand, to make the RHP reflect as LHP, which is absorbed on the second pass through the filter. That process of reversal, also operates on multiple internal reflections, which is why you no longer see your reflection in your computer monitor.

Direct reflection from the front surface of the CP film is also reduced by a multi-layer coating of that surface, with quarter-wave thicknesses of impedance matching materials.
 
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It's done with polarizing film. How do I know? I asked Google. "how are polarized cards made" Zillions of hits,

You really should try Google sometime.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
It's done with polarizing film. How do I know? I asked Google. "how are polarized cards made" Zillions of hits,

You really should try Google sometime.
I did. I even asked a company that sells them. The sales guy had no idea.
 
I guess Google just deliberately refused to give you the answer. Bad Google! Bad, naughty Google!
 
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