Quarter-wave plates and Half-wave plates

[boby96]

Hi, I am aware that quater-wave plates create a phase shifts of λ / 4 between the fast and slow transmission axis. My question is what happens if we place two quater-wave plates in series so that there is 0 degrees between the fast transmission axis and how would result change if they where placed in series so that there is 90 degrees between fast transmission axis?

Thanks,

 

[Drakkith]

Is this a homework question?

 

[Andy Resnick]

Hi, I am aware that quater-wave plates create a phase shifts of λ / 4 between the fast and slow transmission axis. My question is what happens if we place two quater-wave plates in series so that there is 0 degrees between the fast transmission axis and how would result change if they where placed in series so that there is 90 degrees between fast transmission axis?

Thanks,

Just multiply the Jones matrices and you will find the answer.

 

[boby96]

Is this a homework question?

No, just that I have covered normal polarisers in series and know how to predict outcome. So was curious if there was any easy and intuitive way of combing quarter wave plates together.

Just multiply the Jones matrices and you will find the answer.

Thanks, does it matter in what order i multiply them in?

 

[Andy Resnick]

Thanks, does it matter in what order i multiply them in?

Yes, because they are matrices. If the light first goes through retarder '1', then the system matrix is [T]=[2][1]