Suppose that we wish to rotate the polarization vector of light traveling along

Question

Suppose that we wish to rotate the polarization vector of light traveling along the z-axis from its initial direction ˆx to a final direction ˆy. Which of the following configurations results in the greatest ratio of transmitted intensity to initial intensity?

A. A single polarizing filter oriented at ˆy

B. A polarizing filter oriented at ˆx + ˆy, followed by a second filter oriented at ˆy

C. A polarizing filter oriented at 3ˆx + ˆy, followed by a second filter oriented at ˆx + 3ˆy, followed by a third filter oriented at ˆy

D. A polarizing filter oriented at 3ˆx + ˆy, followed by a second filter oriented at ˆx + ˆy, followed by a third filter oriented at ˆx + 3ˆy, followed by a fourth filter oriented at ˆy

E. It is impossible to rotate light by 90 with a non-zero transmitted intensity

Explanation / Answer

apply malus law as I = Io cos^2 theta

so to have I/io = max

cos^2 theta = 1

cos theta = 1

theta = cos ^-1 = 0 deg

so the correct options are

A. A single polarizing filter oriented at ˆy

E. It is impossible to rotate light by 90 with a non-zero
transmitted intensity

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