Polarizing Light through Two Filters

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The discussion centers on the behavior of polarized light when passing through two filters, specifically regarding the orientation of the analyzer's polarizing axis. It clarifies that the electric field vector, E perpendicular, remains defined perpendicularly to the analyzer's axis regardless of its orientation, as long as it is not perpendicular to the polarizer's axis. The relationship between the angles θ (analyzer) and φ (polarizer) is emphasized, with the output electric field vector's magnitude expressed as cos(θ - φ). The conversation highlights the challenge of visualizing these concepts in relation to the angles involved. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of polarization in optics.
thiefjack
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Hello, all.

I have a general question related to something I read in a book right now. Not taking a course so I have no professor to ask, so I come to you all!

To speed things up, I have this image I took from the book:
xlvMtdrl.png


My question is if the analyzer's polarizing axis was an arbitrary theta from the vertical, then E perpendicular would still lie on it's axis, right? As long as it wasn't perpendicular.

I'm having a hard time visualizing this for some reason.
 
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E perpendicular is by definition taken perpendicularly to the analyzer's axis, no matter how the latter axis is oriented.
 
Say the analyzer's axis is at angle θ where θ is measured clockwise from the vertical, same as with phi, the polarizer axis angle. Then the electric field vector at the analyzer output would be oriented as θ with magnitude cos(θ - phi). In your illustration, θ = 0.
 

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