In Figure (a) below, unpolarized light is sent into a system of three polarizing

Question

In Figure (a) below, unpolarized light is sent into a system of three polarizing sheets. The angles 1, 2, and 3 of the polarizing directions are measured counterclockwise from the positive direction of the y axis (they are not drawn to scale). Angles 1 and 3 are fixed, but angle 2 can be varied. Figure (b) gives the intensity of the light emerging from sheet 3 as a function of 2. (The scale of the intensity axis is not indicated.) What percentage of the light's initial intensity is transmitted by the system when 2 = 46 deg ?

Explanation / Answer

sheet 2 is perpendicular to one of the other sheets at theta2 = 0

and that it is perpendicular to the other of the other sheets when theta2 = 90

relative to sheet 1 dtheta = 46 degree

relative to sheet 3 dtheta' = 44 degree

If/Ii = 1/2 * cos^2(dtheta)*cos^2(dtheta') = 12.48 %

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