The discussion revolves around the behavior of quarter-wave plates when placed in series, specifically examining the effects of different angular orientations between their fast transmission axes. Participants explore the implications of these configurations on phase shifts and the resulting optical properties.
Participants generally agree on the use of Jones matrices for analysis, but there is no consensus on the intuitive understanding of combining quarter-wave plates, and the implications of their orientations remain open for further exploration.
The discussion does not resolve the specific outcomes of the configurations, and assumptions regarding the properties of the quarter-wave plates and the light passing through them are not fully detailed.
boby96 said: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,
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.Drakkith said:Is this a homework question?
Thanks, does it matter in what order i multiply them in?Andy Resnick said:Just multiply the Jones matrices and you will find the answer.
boby96 said:Thanks, does it matter in what order i multiply them in?