An unpolarized em wave is incident on two orthogonal polarizers – As an unpolarized electromagnetic (EM) wave encounters two orthogonal polarizers, we embark on an enlightening journey into the realm of wave polarization and its profound implications. This captivating exploration delves into the intricate interaction between light and matter, unveiling the secrets of selective wave transmission and the fascinating applications that stem from this fundamental phenomenon.

Orthogonal polarizers, acting as gatekeepers of light’s polarization, selectively allow the passage of linearly polarized waves, paving the way for in-depth analysis of wave behavior. By manipulating the alignment of these polarizers, we uncover the intricate relationship between the intensity of transmitted waves and the angle between them, a phenomenon elegantly described by Malus’s law.

Unpolarized Electromagnetic Wave Characteristics

An unpolarized electromagnetic wave exhibits the following characteristics:

• Electric and magnetic field vectors oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
• The direction of oscillation varies randomly in time.
• The wave lacks a definite plane of polarization.

Orthogonal Polarizers

Orthogonal polarizers are optical devices that selectively allow the passage of linearly polarized waves:

• Consist of a material that absorbs or reflects waves with specific polarization.
• Allow waves with polarization perpendicular to the absorption axis to pass through.
• Used in various applications, including microscopy, photography, and telecommunications.

Interaction of Unpolarized Wave with Orthogonal Polarizers

When an unpolarized wave encounters an orthogonal polarizer:

• Half of the wave’s intensity is transmitted, while the other half is absorbed or reflected.
• The transmitted wave becomes linearly polarized in the direction perpendicular to the absorption axis.
• Passing the partially polarized wave through a second orthogonal polarizer further reduces its intensity.

Polarization Analysis: An Unpolarized Em Wave Is Incident On Two Orthogonal Polarizers

The intensity of the transmitted wave varies with the angle between the polarizers:

• Malus’s law: I = I₀cos ²θ , where I₀is the initial intensity and θis the angle between the polarizers.
• Polarization analysis involves measuring the intensity of the transmitted wave to determine the polarization state of the incident wave.

Applications of Orthogonal Polarizers

Orthogonal polarizers find applications in various fields:

• Microscopy: Identifying and analyzing birefringent materials.
• Photography: Controlling light polarization for artistic effects and glare reduction.
• Telecommunications: Isolating and manipulating optical signals.
• Remote sensing: Detecting and measuring polarized radiation from natural sources.

Questions Often Asked

What is an unpolarized electromagnetic wave?

An unpolarized electromagnetic wave is a wave in which the electric field vector oscillates in all directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

How do orthogonal polarizers work?

Orthogonal polarizers are devices that selectively allow the passage of linearly polarized waves. They consist of a material that absorbs or reflects waves with a specific polarization, while allowing waves with the orthogonal polarization to pass through.

What is Malus’s law?

Malus’s law states that the intensity of a linearly polarized wave transmitted through a polarizer is proportional to the square of the cosine of the angle between the polarization of the wave and the transmission axis of the polarizer.