Diffraction and polarization

Diffraction and polarization

1. Diffraction and Polarization

2. Contents Definition of Diffraction Types of Diffraction Definition of Polarization Types of Polarized Light Brewster’s law and Brewster’s Angle

3. Diffraction Diffraction of light is defined as the bending of light around corners such that it spreads out and illuminates areas where a shadow is expected.  

4. Types of Diffraction Fresnel Diffraction Fraunhofer Diffraction Here the wavefront used is spherical. Here the wavefront used is plane. An image is formed at a finite distance An image is formed at an infinite distance. A lens is not required. A lens is required.

5. Polarization Polarization a phenomenon caused due to the wave nature of electromagnetic radiation. Sunlight travels through the vacuum to reach the Earth, which is an example of an electromagnetic wave. These waves are called electromagnetic waves because they form when an electric field interacts with a magnetic field.

6. Types of Polarized Light Linear Polarization: In linear polarization, the electric field of light is limited to a single plane along the direction of propagation. Circular Polarization: There are two linear components in the electric field of light that are perpendicular to each other such that their amplitudes are equal, but the phase difference is π/2. The propagation of the occurring electric field will be in a circular motion. Elliptical Polarization: The electric field of light follows an elliptical propagation. The amplitude and phase difference between the two linear components are not equal.

7. Brewster’s Law & Brewster’s Angle When an unpolarized light of known wavelength is incident on a transparent substance surface, it experiences maximum plan polarization at the angle of incidence whose tangent is the refractive index of the substance for the wavelength. The polarization angle is also called Brewster’s angle. It is an angle of incidence where the ray of light having a p-polarization is transmitted through a dielectric surface that is transparent without any reflection. While the unpolarized light at this angle is transmitted, the light is reflected from the surface.

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