Quarter Wave Plate: 45 & 135 Degree Polarization Output

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of light passing through a quarter wave plate when oriented at 45 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the incident light. It is established that light polarized at 45 degrees remains unaffected by the quarter wave plate, as does light polarized at 135 degrees. The discussion clarifies that both |45> and -|45> states yield the same output, indicating that the quarter wave plate does not alter the polarization state in these scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quarter wave plates and their function in optics
  • Knowledge of polarization states, specifically |45> and -|45>
  • Familiarity with the principles of light behavior through optical devices
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics related to photon polarization
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical representation of polarization states in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the effects of different wave plate orientations on light polarization
  • Study the applications of quarter wave plates in optical systems
  • Learn about the implications of photon polarization in quantum optics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Optical physicists, quantum mechanics students, and engineers working with optical devices will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the manipulation of light polarization using wave plates.

StevieTNZ
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Hi there,

If we have a quarter wave plate orientated at 45 degrees in reference to the incident light, if the input photon was 45 degrees polarised, what would the output be? Similiarily with 135 polarised photons? And what happens if the photon is written as -|45> compared to |45>? Does that change the sign of the output?

Cheers
 
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Incoming light polarized either parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of the wave plate is unaffected by the wave plate. So if I've interpreted your question correctly, the light will be unaffected in all the cases you've asked about.
 

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