Re: Polarization with three 45 degree polarizers

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of vertically polarized light passing through three 45-degree polarizers. When vertically polarized light encounters the first 45-degree polarizer, the transmitted intensity is reduced to 50% of the original intensity, and the light becomes 45-degree polarized. As the light passes through the second 45-degree polarizer, the intensity is again halved, resulting in 25% of the original intensity, while maintaining the 45-degree polarization. Finally, the third polarizer, also at 45 degrees, allows all of the light to pass through, maintaining the same intensity of 25% and polarization.

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shawonna23
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Can someone explain to me what occurs in the Polarization with three 45 degree polarizers?
 
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Analyze the problem a piece at a time. Imagine you have vertically polarized light incident on a single 45 degree polarizer, what happens? In particular, how much intensity is transmitted and what is the polarization of the outgoing light?
 

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