Reflected light from a polarizer

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SUMMARY

When unpolarized light reflects off a polarizer, it becomes polarized with opposite parity relative to the transmitted light, with intensity dependent on the angle of incidence. This phenomenon applies to various types of polarizers, including linear and circular polarizers. Specific examples include the Glan-Thompson prism, which transmits orthogonal states in different directions, and Polaroid filters, which absorb one component of light. Understanding these effects is crucial for applications in optics and photonics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of unpolarized and polarized light
  • Familiarity with polarizer types, including linear and circular polarizers
  • Knowledge of the Fresnel equations for reflection and transmission
  • Basic principles of light behavior at interfaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Fresnel equations for calculating reflection and transmission coefficients
  • Explore the differences between linear and circular polarizers in detail
  • Study the applications of Glan-Thompson prisms in optical systems
  • Investigate the effects of angle of incidence on light polarization
USEFUL FOR

Optics students, physicists, engineers working in photonics, and anyone interested in the behavior of light with polarizers.

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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