Polarization of Waves
The Main Idea
There are three main types of wave polarization. A wave is polarized when two electromagnetic waves are traveling co-linearly and the electric field components are perpendicular to each other.
Linear Polarization
Most natural light is linearly polarized. The polarization shape is described by the electric field vector. In the case of a basic electromagnetic wave, as shown to the right, the electric field vector points up and down vertically as the wave travels.
Circular Polarization
Light which is polarized circularly consists of two perpendicular electromagnetic waves. In this case, show to the right, there are two electric fields which are perpendicular to each other (the illustration does not show the magnetic fields). These electric fields have equal amplitude but have a phase shift of 90 degrees. This creates an electric field vector which moves in a circle as the wave travels.
Elliptical Polarization
Elliptical polarization is very similar to circular polarization. In this case, shown to the right, the electric fields are still perpendicular and of the same amplitude. The difference is that the electric fields do not have equal amplitudes. Therefore the electric field vector creates an elliptical shape as the wave progresses - due to the changing magnitude and direction.
Mathematical Model
Linear Model
Circular Model
Elliptical Model
Examples
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