If two polarizers are arranged such that the electric field of the light absorbe
ID: 2254130 • Letter: I
Question
If two polarizers are arranged such that the electric field of the light absorbed by the first polarizer is perpendicular to the electric field of the light absorbed by the second polarizer, then no light will pass through the system
a) Is the above statement consistent with Malus' Law? Why or why not?
b) By placing a third polarizer in between the first two polarizers, described above, it is possible to 'twist' the light such that some of the light intensity can pass through the entire system. Find the optimum angle of the second polarizer with respect to the first polarizer for obtaining the maximum intensity of light out of the third polarizer.
Explanation / Answer
a)Yes, the statement is true. Since the angle between them will be 90 degrees and cos 90 =0.
b)The intensity becomes I0*Cos^2(theta)*Cos^2(90-theta)
Since this has to be maximum, Cos (theta)=Cos(90-theta)
theta=45 degrees.