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Plane Of Polarizer Formula:
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The Plane of Polarizer equation calculates the intensity of polarized light after passing through an analyzer, based on Malus's Law. It describes how the intensity of polarized light changes with the angle between the polarizer and analyzer.
The calculator uses the Plane of Polarizer equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that the transmitted intensity varies with the square of the cosine of the angle between the transmission axes of the polarizer and analyzer.
Details: Accurate calculation of polarized light intensity is crucial for optical experiments, polarization microscopy, LCD technology, and various applications in physics and engineering where light polarization is important.
Tips: Enter the plane of transmission of analyzer in appropriate units, and theta angle in radians. Both values must be valid (transmission > 0, theta ≥ 0).
Q1: What is Malus's Law?
A: Malus's Law states that the intensity of plane-polarized light that passes through an analyzer varies as the square of the cosine of the angle between the plane of polarization of the light and the transmission axis of the analyzer.
Q2: Why is the angle measured in radians?
A: While degrees can be used, radians are the standard unit for angular measurements in mathematical functions like cosine in physics equations.
Q3: What happens when θ = 0 radians?
A: When the polarizer and analyzer are aligned (θ = 0), cos(0) = 1, so P = P' and maximum intensity is transmitted.
Q4: What happens when θ = π/2 radians (90°)?
A: When the polarizer and analyzer are perpendicular (θ = π/2), cos(π/2) = 0, so P = 0 and no light is transmitted.
Q5: Can this equation be used for any type of polarized light?
A: This equation applies specifically to plane-polarized light. Different equations govern circularly or elliptically polarized light.