What does polarization actually mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of polarization in electromagnetic (EM) waves, exploring its definition, implications for electric and magnetic fields, and different forms of polarization. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire whether polarization means canceling out one component of the EM wave, specifically questioning if it dismisses the magnetic field.
  • Others clarify that polarization does not eliminate the magnetic field, as a fluctuating electric field cannot exist without a corresponding magnetic field.
  • It is noted that in an electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillates in one plane while the magnetic field oscillates in a perpendicular plane.
  • Participants explain that the polarization axis of a linear polarizer is defined with respect to the electric field's oscillation direction, and the magnetic field behaves similarly but perpendicularly.
  • One participant introduces the concept of elliptically polarized light, describing how the electric field direction moves in an elliptical pattern as the wave propagates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in polarization, but there is some uncertainty regarding the implications of polarization on the magnetic field and the nature of different types of polarization.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the definitions and implications of polarization, particularly concerning how it relates to the magnetic field and the nature of different polarization states.

sheld
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What is polarization actually mean? is it cancel out one of the EM wave component? that means, is it dismiss the magnetic field from EM wave? if so, how the polarized light propagate without magnetic field?
Please clear this matter... [emoji52]
 
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A light wave is said to be polarized when its electric or magnetic field vector traces certain well-defined pattern during its propagation.
sheld said:
is it dismiss the magnetic field from EM wave?
No, in general you cannot have a fluctuating electric field without coexistence of a magnetic field.
 
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In an electromagnetic wave, the electric field vector oscillates in one plane, and the magnetic field vector oscillates in a perpendicular plane.

The polarization axis of a linear polarizer is defined (by convention) with respect to the direction of oscillation of the electric field. The polarizer acts similarly on the magnetic field, but in a perpendicular direction. After light passes through a linear polarizer, its electric field oscillates parallel to the polarization axis, and its magnetic field oscillates perpendicular to the polarization axis.
 
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thanks for helping [emoji4]
 
You can also have elliptically polarized light. As the wave passes by a point, the electric field direction will move around in an ellipse.
 
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