Rotating Polarizers: Find Light Intensity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the intensity of light passing through three linear polarizers aligned perpendicularly. The first polarizer receives natural light, while the second polarizer rotates at a known angular speed. The final light intensity is determined using Malus' Law, which states that the transmitted intensity through a polarizer is proportional to the cosine squared of the angle between the light's polarization direction and the polarizer's axis. The intensity is expressed as a product of terms, incorporating the angular speed and the initial light intensity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Malus' Law in optics
  • Familiarity with linear polarization of light
  • Basic knowledge of angular motion and angular speed
  • Ability to work with trigonometric functions, specifically cosine
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Malus' Law in multi-polarizer systems
  • Explore the effects of angular speed on light intensity through rotating polarizers
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of light intensity as a function of time
  • Learn about the behavior of light in various polarization states
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of light polarization and intensity modulation through polarizers.

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Homework Statement


There are three linear polarizers perpendicular to the same axe.
To the first one natural light arrives. If the second one rotates with angular speed known and the first and third ones have transmission lines perpendicular {between them}, find the intensity of final light in function of angular speed and incident light.

Homework Equations


Malus Law



The Attempt at a Solution



i though that the result was a sum of two terms. One of them is the intensity of light hits the rotational polarizers. And the second one is given by the last intensity multiplied to a `cos` of an angle that i cannot express.
in the first term i thought to express an angle in function of angular speed.
 
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The angle should be ωt.
It seems to me it will be a product, not a sum. At each polarizer, the amplitude will get multiplied by something less than 1. Your cos(ωt) sounds good for the second polarizer.
 

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