Which Sign Describes Phasor Direction in Circular Polarization?

[Niles]

Homework Statement

Hi

Circularly polarized light we can describe by a vector $v=(1,\pm i)$, where the sign on the phase i describes which way the phasor turns (CCW or CW). I am confused about what sign belongs to which direction.

Is there a neat way to determine this?

 

[tiny-tim]

come on, guys!

somebody must have a clever way of memorising this! ​

 

[Niles]

I think the right-hand rule applies here, so (1, +i) is CCW and (1, -i) is CW.

 

[tiny-tim]

i can never remember which way round it is, i have to look it up each time

(so, sorry, obviously i can't recommend a good way of remembering it!)

 

[TSny]

Don't know if this helps: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_polarization#Left.2Fright_handedness_conventions

Looks like there are two competing conventions: from the point of view of the source and from the point of view of the receiver. So, you can't go wrong!