The polarization of a helium-neon laser can change with time. The light from a 1

Question

The polarization of a helium-neon laser can change with time. The light from a 1.5mW laser is initially horizontally polarized; as the laser warms up, the light changes to be vertically polarized. Suppose the laser beam passes through a polarizer whose axis is 29%u2218 from horizontal.

By what percent does the light intensity transmitted through the polarizer decrease as the laser warms up?

Iwarm%u2212IcoldIcold = unit is in %

I know this is Malus Law but I do not understand it. If someone could please write each step down and how it should be entered in the calculator, your help will truly be appreciated! I've been struggling to understand this law. Please help if possible.

Explanation / Answer

so when horizontal polarized

I /I0 = cos(29-0)^2=0.765

but when vertical polarized

I/I0 = cos(29-90)^2 = 0.235

so percentage decrease = (0.765-0.235)/0.765=69.28%

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