Types of Polarization of Light
The three types of Polarization based on transverse and longitudinal wave motion are as follows:
- Linear polarization
- Elliptical Polarization
- Circular Polarization
Linear Polarization
In linear Polarization, the electric field of light is confined to a single plane along the direction of the propagation of light.
Elliptical Polarization
In Elliptical Polarization, the electric field of light propagates along an elliptical path. The two linear components do not have the same amplitude and phase difference in elliptical polarization.
Circular Polarization
In Circular Polarization, the electric field of light has two linear components that are perpendicular to each other and have identical amplitudes, but the phase difference is π ⁄ 2. The electric field that occurs will propagate in a circular motion.
Polarization of Light
Polarization of Light: If you were to leave your house on a hot, sunny day, you would undoubtedly wear sunglasses. This is because the light emitted by the sun is unpolarized light and the sunglasses we wear transform the unpolarized light. Polarized light is light in which the electric field vector of the light is in the same phase and is perpendicular to the propagation of the light wave. The process of converting unpolarized light into polarized light is called polarization.
In this article, we will learn about the Polarization of light, types of polarization, Polarization of Light properties, and others in detail.
Table of Content
- What is the Polarization of Light?
- Polarization of Light Definition
- Transverse Waves and Longitudinal Waves
- Polarized Light and Unpolarized Light
- Polarized Light
- Unpolarized Light
- Types of Polarization of Light
- Linear Polarization
- Elliptical Polarization
- Circular Polarization
- Methods Used in Polarization of Light
- Polarization by Transmission (Polaroids)
- Polarization by Scattering
- Polarization by Reflection and Refraction
- How do Transverse Waves exhibit Polarization?
- Brewster’s Law
- Applications of Polarization of Light