Find the final percentage of light exiting the last polizer

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with finding the final percentage of light when three polarizers are placed on top of each other, with specific angles between each one. It is suggested to first compute the output of the first two polarizers and then use that as the input for the third, with the possibility of getting unexpected results due to the twisting of light. It is also mentioned that this phenomenon can be observed by stacking 3D glasses and adjusting the angles while waiting in line at Universal Studios.
  • #1
matrix_204
101
0
I was having some difficulty in solving problems, where they ask to find the final percentage of light exiting the last polizer, when three polirizers are placed on top of each other. With a certain angle between the first two polirizers and an angle between the first and the third polirizer.
please help me asap, thnx
 
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  • #2
It is no different then when 2 are present compute the output of the first pair, then use that as the input of the third. You will see some seemly strange results. If you have 2 filters at 90 deg they will block all (most) light. If you insert a 3rd filter BETWEEN the first 2 at 45 (or just something other then 90deg) you will suddenly get output from the last filter.

Sort of like the light gets twisted passing through the system.
 
  • #3
An excellent experiment regarding this phenomena can be carried out while waiting in line at any of the attractions at Universal Studios which require 3D glasses. Just stack 3 pairs on top of each other and start playing with the angles. It really kills the time.:smile:
 
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1. What is a polizer?

A polizer is a device used in optics to filter and polarize light. It consists of a polarizing material, such as a polarizing film, placed between two parallel plates.

2. How does a polizer affect light?

A polizer selectively transmits light waves that are vibrating in one direction while blocking light waves that are vibrating in other directions. This causes the light that passes through the polizer to become polarized.

3. What does it mean to find the final percentage of light exiting the last polizer?

This refers to calculating the percentage of light that is transmitted through the last polizer in a series of polarizers, taking into account any losses or changes in polarization that may have occurred.

4. Why is it important to calculate the final percentage of light exiting the last polizer?

Knowing the final percentage of light that exits the last polizer can help in understanding the behavior of light in various optical systems, and can be used to optimize the design and performance of these systems.

5. How is the final percentage of light exiting the last polizer calculated?

The final percentage of light exiting the last polizer is calculated by multiplying the individual transmission percentages of each polizer in the series. For example, if the first polizer transmits 50% of light and the second polizer transmits 70% of the remaining light, the final percentage would be 50% x 70% = 35%.

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