K L University By G.SUNITA DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

Lecture 01 Polarization of Light

Geometric Optics – Light rays move in straight lines. – Okay for interaction with objects much larger than the wavelength. Wave Optics – Light propagates as spherical waves. – Describes interactions with objects with the same size as the wavelength. Wave nature of light

Wave optics or Physical optics is the study of the wave properties of light. Some wave properties are: Interference, diffraction, and polarization. These properties have useful applications in optical devices such as compact discs, diffraction gratings, polarizers.

Wave Theory…. Transverse and longitudinal waves: If the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave are called “Longitudinal wave” If the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave are called “Transverse wave”

Polarization… L ight is an electromagnetic wave. E M waves are those waves in which there are sinusoidal variation of electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other as well as to the direction of propagation of wave.

Polarization