Polarization of an Optical Wave through Polarizers and Wave Plates
Polarization of an Optical Wave through Polarizers and Wave Plates
Wave plates and linear polarizers are common optical elements that alter the polarization of light passing through them. This Demonstration shows the effect of the optical element on the polarization of light. You can select the optical element from the drop-down menu and set the polarization state of the incident wave (linear, right circular, or left circular). The line through the optical element represents the direction of polarization (transmission axis) for the polarizer and the fast axis for half- and quarter-wave plates.