How are polarization test cards created for proving polarized glasses?

  • Thread starter Thread starter LightningInAJar
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ink Polarization
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Polarization test cards are created using thin polarized films, specifically polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) plastic doped with iodine, which aligns during manufacturing to produce linear polarization. These films are laminated onto the test cards to demonstrate the polarization of glasses. Users can also test polarization by observing screens at various angles with polarized glasses. The discussion highlights the use of polarizing filters in photography and their effectiveness in demonstrating polarization through different angles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear and circular polarization
  • Familiarity with polarizing filters and their applications
  • Knowledge of materials such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and iodine doping
  • Basic principles of light reflection and absorption
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the manufacturing process of polarizing films, specifically polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films
  • Explore the differences between linear and circular polarizing filters in photography
  • Investigate the applications of polarization in various fields, including optics and art
  • Learn about the properties and uses of iodine-doped materials in optical devices
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, photographers, artists interested in polarized materials, and anyone involved in the production or testing of polarized glasses.

LightningInAJar
Messages
272
Reaction score
36
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?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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".
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: hutchphd, LightningInAJar and BillTre
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
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: LightningInAJar and BillTre
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.
 
  • Informative
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: LightningInAJar, BillTre, berkeman and 1 other person
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: phinds and BillTre
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!
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman and BillTre

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
13K
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
6K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
8K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K