Question about wire-grid polarizers

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the behavior of light when passing through wire-grid polarizers, specifically addressing the interaction of diagonal light waves. It is established that unpolarized light is filtered through a polarizer, with waves parallel to the metallic wires being absorbed or reflected. Diagonal waves can be resolved into horizontal and vertical components, where the perpendicular components pass through the polarizer while the parallel components are absorbed. This understanding clarifies the filtering mechanism of wire-grid polarizers in petrographic microscopy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of unpolarized and polarized light
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic wave behavior
  • Familiarity with wire-grid polarizers
  • Basic concepts of petrographic microscopy
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  • Research the principles of light polarization
  • Study the construction and function of wire-grid polarizers
  • Explore the applications of polarizers in petrographic microscopy
  • Learn about the mathematical representation of light waves and their components
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This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in optics, petrographic microscopy, and anyone interested in the principles of light polarization and its applications in scientific imaging.

Particle-Wave
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Hi, I'm new to this forum, and am not a genius in any way, so I hope you'll be patient with me.

I've been reading up on petrographic microscopes and understand that unpolarized light is filtered through a polarizer in order to get the EM wave electric fields to oscillate in the same direction. As the unpolarized light hits the wire-grid polarizer, those waves that are parallel with the metallic wire in the polarizer will be absorbed/reflected due to the electric fields interactions with the electrons in the wire. Those EM wave electric fields which are perpendicular to the direction of the wire-grid polarizer will be able to pass through it. My question is: What about those waves that are at a diagonal? Will they be able to pass through or not, and why? Every diagram that I have seen shows that ONLY the waves that are perpendicular to the direction of the wire-grid polarizer will pass through, and any deviation will result in those waves being absorbed/reflected.

If anyone can help me with this, it would be greatly appreciated!
 

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Please let me know if I'm even making sense!

:redface:
 
The diagonal waves are just made up of vertical and horizontal (or rather can be resolved into H+V)
A 45deg diagonal is equal H and V and so on.
 
I think I get it now. Their perpendicular components make it through, while their parallel components are absorbed/reflected.
 
Last edited:

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