Polarization of Waves
Light is a transverse electromagnetic wave consisting of two components - an electric wave function and a magnetic wave function - which are both perpendicular to the propagation of the wave. These components each have amplitude and phase properties which determine the polarization of the resolved electromagnetic wave. The type of polarization in described by the shape the wave produced when viewed on the axis of propagation.
The Main Idea
There are three main types of wave polarization. The polarization shape is determined by the amplitudes and phases of the electric and magnetic wave components.
Linear Polarization
Circular Polarization
Elliptical Polarization
A Mathematical Model
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Examples
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See also
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