Unploarized light of intensity l_e is incident on a pair of (ideal) polarizers,

Question

Unploarized light of intensity l_e is incident on a pair of (ideal) polarizers, as shown below. The direction of polarization of the first polarizer is vertical. The second polarizer has unknown orientation. For each part below, determine whether it is possible for the light that reaches the observer to have the given value of intensity. If so: Determine the direction of polarization of the second polarizer. If not: Explain why not. No light reaches the observer. Light of intensity 2I_0/3 reaches the observer. Light of intensity I_0/2 reaches the observer. Light of intensity I_0/4 reaches the observer.

Explanation / Answer

a) Yes it is possible,

By law of malus,

I = Io cos^2 theta

0 = Io cos^2 theta

theta = 90 degree with vertical

b) Yes it is possible, 2Io/3= Io cos^2 theta

cos theta = sqrt(2/3) =0.8165

theta = arccos 0.8165

= 35.3 degree with vertical

c)Yes it is possible, Io/2= Io cos^2 theta

cos theta = sqrt(1/2)

theta = 45 degree with vertical

d) Yes it is possible, Io/4= Io cos^2 theta

cos theta = sqrt(1/4) =0.5

theta = 60 degree degree with vertical

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