Polarization of Light and Microwaves (Quantum Physics)

A phenomenon that can not be adequately explained by classical physics.

Radio waves, light, X-rays and gamma rays are all electromagnetic radiation. The classical visualization of the polarization of a wave is that the electric field is oscillating in one plane, like a stretched rope. A polarizing filter can be thought of as like a venetian blind. When the rope is oscillating in the same plane as the blind, it can pass through. When it is at right angles, it is blocked.

This classical visualisation soon breaks down. Firstly, an electromagnetic wave passes through a polarizer when its electric field is at right angles to the 'slats' and is blocked when it is parallel. Another example is that of three crossed polarizers. This is shown in the movie.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[zloben9000]

the mesh odoes not only stop waves but also EMMITS WAVES right ?

[teralabUK]

My understanding is that electrons in the polarizers absorb and re-emit the photons. The same thing happens with a mirror. A mirror does not really reflect light. It absorbs the photons and then emits new photons with the same energy.

[rohit sharma]

rofl, mirror DOESNT absorbs the photons and then emits new photons with the same energy. It reflects the whole wave.

[teralabUK]

You are talking classical physics.

[rohit sharma]

can you tell me any sources where I can see, if u r right?

[teralabUK]

Watch the Richard Feynman lectures on Vega. Part 2 discusses reflection. The sound quality is poor unfortunately, but it is worth watching. It is also impressive how he could give such good lectures with just a blackboard. No death by Power Point. You may need to watch part 1 first.

[Valerie Aghoghovbia]

Thank you very much this was very helpful

[sxcHideki]

very cool :3

[Daniel Elleson]

doh. sorry i just realised the output from the klystron is polarized already, so a 3rd bit of proto board is pointless and tilting the unit is the same as inserting the initial polarizing filter in the first demo. just saying

[Daniel Elleson]

i think it replicates the phenomenon in the 1st experiment perfectly. if he'd used 3 bits of proto board and left the klystron the right way up then expect it would behave just like the visible light in the first demo surely. i think this is a nice demo, pretty simple. you're right tho he should have used a 3rd bit of proto board and done exactly the same thing 2nd time around. then again, it leaves you a little room to think.

[Daniel Elleson]

yes, because they are also electromagnetic waves like visible light and microwaves etc.

nice demo.

[sxcHideki]

does this work with radiowaves as well

[daniel244king]

I hate it when people always try to explain something they dont understand; even when they are unqualified to do so. I know that you are scared and you just want to make your world perfect and feel safe in it. But shut the fuck up! I could put Thomas Young's double slit experiement on here and there would be at least two or three people who would just explain it away just so they could feel better about the world we live in. There acually ARE mysteries in science that we DONT know the answer to.

[daniel244king]

Is it just me, or is the second experiement done incorrectly as opposed to the first experiment? Should he not have just left the microwave box turned up right then placed the boards in between? what would have happend?

[iNoamfer]

I am assuming the polarizers don't block the eneregy but change ii to something that couldn't be read by a a device or understood by the eye. Then when you put a second polarizer it changes it back to something that can be understood.

I have absolutely no knowledge in the subject, I am just curious. Care to reply? Am I just stupid?

[Axellerater]

I've red a big article and I didn't get it, but by watching this I learned to fast and I finally understand polarization.