Polarizers and Analyzers in optics

In summary, polarizers are optical devices that allow only light waves with a specific direction of oscillation to pass through. They work by filtering out other directions of polarization. They have various applications in optics, such as reducing glare in sunglasses and enhancing contrast in LCD screens. An analyzer is an optical device that can determine the polarization state of light, and it is often used together with a polarizer to measure the properties of light. The polarizer first polarizes the light, and then the analyzer determines the polarization direction. This can provide valuable information about the intensity and direction of oscillation of the light.
  • #1
Ian Baughman
36
2
If we have a polarizer and an analyzer where the angle between the two axes is ∅ then we can find the intensity using Malus's Law.

The intensity after the polarizer would be:
(1/2)I0​

After the Analyzer we could have an intensity of:
(1/2)I0cos2(∅)​

What would happen though if ∅ = 0. Would the analyzer have any effect on the light intensity?
 
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  • #2
In theory, no it would not. But that assumes ideal 100% transparency.
 

Related to Polarizers and Analyzers in optics

1. What is a polarizer in optics?

A polarizer is an optical device that allows only light waves with a specific direction of oscillation to pass through, while blocking all other directions. It is commonly used to control and manipulate the polarization of light.

2. How does a polarizer work?

A polarizer contains a special material, such as a polarizing film or crystal, that has aligned molecules that only allow light waves with a specific polarization direction to pass through. This alignment blocks light waves with other polarization directions, resulting in polarized light.

3. What are the applications of polarizers in optics?

Polarizers have various applications in optics, including reducing glare in sunglasses, enhancing contrast in LCD screens, and measuring stress in materials. They are also used in scientific experiments and research to study the properties of polarized light.

4. What is an analyzer in optics?

An analyzer is an optical device that can determine the polarization state of light. It works by filtering out certain polarization directions and only allowing light waves with a specific polarization to pass through, similar to a polarizer in reverse.

5. How are polarizers and analyzers used together in optics?

Polarizers and analyzers are often used together to measure the polarization state of light. The polarizer is first used to polarize the light, and then the analyzer is used to determine the polarization direction of the light that passes through it. This can provide valuable information about the properties of the light, such as its intensity and direction of oscillation.

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