What does polarization actually mean?

In summary, polarization refers to the well-defined pattern of the electric or magnetic field vector in a light wave. It does not dismiss the magnetic field from an electromagnetic wave, as both fields coexist in a perpendicular plane. Linear polarizers align the electric and magnetic fields in a specific direction, while elliptically polarized light has the electric field moving in an ellipse.
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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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  • #3
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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  • #4
thanks for helping [emoji4]
 
  • #5
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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1. What is polarization?

Polarization refers to the phenomenon where electromagnetic waves, such as light, oscillate in specific directions. This can occur in various types of waves, including radio waves, microwaves, and visible light.

2. How does polarization occur?

Polarization occurs when the electric field of an electromagnetic wave oscillates in a specific direction. This direction can be horizontal, vertical, or any angle in between. The direction of polarization is determined by the orientation of the electric field.

3. What causes polarization?

Polarization can be caused by various factors, such as the physical properties of the medium through which the wave is traveling or the angle at which the wave is produced. For example, when light reflects off a smooth surface at a specific angle, it becomes polarized.

4. What are the types of polarization?

There are three main types of polarization: linear, circular, and elliptical. Linear polarization occurs when the electric field oscillates in a single plane, while circular polarization occurs when the electric field rotates in a circular motion. Elliptical polarization is a combination of both linear and circular polarization.

5. What are the applications of polarization?

Polarization has various applications in different fields, such as telecommunications, photography, and astronomy. In telecommunications, polarized antennas are used to transmit and receive signals. In photography, polarizing filters are used to reduce glare and improve color saturation. In astronomy, polarimetry is used to study the polarization of light from celestial objects, providing valuable information about their composition and physical properties.

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