Unpolarized light of Intensity Io is incident on a pair of (ideal) polarizers, a

Question

Unpolarized light of Intensity Io 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. Show all work.

If not: Explain by not.

a. No light reaches the observer

b. Light of intensity (2*Io)/3 reaches the observer.

c. Light of intesity Io/2 reaches the observer.

d. Light of intensity Io/4 reaches the observer.

Unpolarized light of Intensity Io 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. Show all work. If not: Explain by not. No light reaches the observer Light of intensity (2*Io)/3 reaches the observer. Light of intensity Io/2 reaches the observer. Light of intensity Io/4 reaches the observer.

Explanation / Answer

a) When the pass axis of the two polarizers are perpendicular to each other.

b) Not possible, becausde after first polarizer intensity becomes Io/2.
from malus law after second polarizer I2=I1 cos^2(q)
I2=2Io/3, cos^2(q)=4/3, q=cos^-1(1.15) Which does not exist.

c) When the pass axis of the second polarizer is parallel to first i.e q=0
I2=I1=Io/2.

d) I2=Io/4=Io/2 cos^(q)
cos^(q)=1/2, q=45 degree w.r.t pass axis of the first polarizer.

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