Reflected light from a polarizer

AI Thread Summary
When unpolarized light reflects off a polarizer, it becomes polarized, typically with opposite parity to the transmitted light, and its intensity depends on the angle of incidence. This effect applies to various types of polarizers, including linear and circular ones. Different polarizers, such as Glan-Thompson prisms and Polaroid filters, handle the polarization and absorption of light differently. The discussion emphasizes the curiosity about the characteristics of the reflected light compared to the transmitted light. Overall, the interaction of light with polarizers is complex and varies based on the type of polarizer used.
DivGradCurl
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Hi Folks,

I have a general question. What happens to unpolarized light once it's reflected from a polarizer?

My best guess is that it's polarized with opposite parity relative to the transmitted light with intensity varying as a function of angle of incidence.

I think my answer applies to any polarizer (linear or circular). If you have a reference that addresses effects upon reflection from a polarizer, I'd be glad to read more. Thanks.
 
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There are different kinds of polarizers: for example, a Glan-Thomspon prism transmits the orthogonal states in different directions. Polaroid (IIRC) absorbs one component.
 
I'm sorry, I did not mention I'm assuming a sheet polarizer. However, I guess it doesn't matter too much. I'm just curious about how different the reflected component would be from the transmitted counterpart (in a general sense).
 
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