Waves & Optics Homework: Polarization Through Weakly Scattering Fluid

AI Thread Summary
An unpolarized light beam passing through a weakly scattering fluid raises questions about the potential for vertically polarized light to exit through the sides parallel to the beam's direction. The discussion suggests that while some light may scatter upwards, it is unlikely to be vertically polarized due to the scattering process. There is a consideration that if scattering were to occur horizontally, it could lead to the possibility of vertically polarized light escaping. The original poster seeks further insights on how to approach the problem, acknowledging their limited expertise in the subject. Overall, the conversation revolves around the complexities of light polarization in scattering media.
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Homework Statement


An unpolarised light beam is shone horizontally through a cubic tank filled
with weakly scattering fluid. Can vertically polarized light leave through the sides that are parallel to the beam’s propagation direction?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


My thinking is that they can. If the fluid is weakly scattering the chances are that a small amount of light would be able to leave through the top sides and that this would have vertically polarised light. Any ideas on how to approach this problem?
 
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If the light is scattered straight up through the top then I don't see how it could be vertically polarised. But if you change it to scattering horizontally through the sides I would agree. Mind you, I'm no expert on this topic.
 
The last image on this page -http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/polar.html
Wouldn't that mean it is possible?
 

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