Wave Polarization

Dandan JiEmre Kopanoglu

Andy Cai

Learning Objectives

• Revisit the concept of wave polarization and how to generate polarized waves from recap of reading assignments

• Analyze how polarized waves work in real-life applications from video demonstration and discussion

• Apply knowledge of polarization to lighting design in homework

Direction of propagation

A phenomenon peculiar to transverse waves.

Classification of Polarization

Video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu-aYnRkUgg

Polarization

Absorption

achieved by

Natural light: random

Polarized light: confined in a plane

Polarization

Reflection

Natural light

θPθP

Polarization

Reflection

Polarization demonstration• Camera view on a LCD display, with a polarized

filter being rotated

Polarization demonstration• Group Discussion (3 min): – Why does the LCD display go completely dark

when the filter is rotated?– Why does not the background light get completely

filtered?

LCD displays/projectors

• Millions of liquid crystal cells!– Adjust light

LCD displays/projectors• Adjust light

• Adjust color