Why reflection causes polarisation of light

In summary, when light reflects off of a surface, the electric and magnetic fields become aligned in a specific direction, causing the light to become polarised. This is due to the orientation of molecules in the reflecting surface, which only allow one plane of light to be reflected. The alignment of the fields is caused by the interaction between the light and the molecules, which act as tiny dipoles. Not all types of light can be polarised through reflection, only those that are transverse. Polarisation of light can affect our perception of color by reducing intensity and altering hue, as only certain planes of light are allowed to pass through.
  • #1
maxbur
8
0
Hello all

I know that polarisation of light can occur from reflection, and when the reflected ray is 90degrees from the refracted ray the relfected light is 100% plane polarised.
So, my question is why is it that reflection causes polarisation of light?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
because the light on the vertical plane were annihilated through phase differential.
 
  • #3
Ok, and what is phase differential?
 

1. How does reflection cause polarisation of light?

When light reflects off of a surface, the electric and magnetic fields of the light waves become aligned in a specific direction. This results in the light becoming polarised, meaning that it vibrates in only one plane.

2. Why does polarised light only vibrate in one plane?

This is due to the orientation of the molecules in the reflecting surface. When light hits the surface, the molecules absorb the light waves that are vibrating in all directions except for the direction of their alignment. This results in only one plane of light being reflected, causing polarisation.

3. What causes the electric and magnetic fields of light waves to align?

The electric and magnetic fields of light waves align due to the interaction between the light and the molecules in the reflecting surface. The molecules act as tiny dipoles, causing the electric and magnetic fields of the light to align with their orientation.

4. Can all types of light be polarised by reflection?

No, not all types of light can be polarised by reflection. Only light waves that are transverse, meaning that they vibrate perpendicular to the direction of their propagation, can be polarised through reflection.

5. How does polarisation of light affect our perception of color?

Polarisation of light can affect our perception of color by reducing the intensity and altering the hue of light. This is because polarised light only allows certain planes of light to pass through, resulting in a decrease in overall intensity and a change in the color that we perceive.

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