E

1
E
B
k
n
2
Homogeneous - same properties at all
points. opposite inhomogeneous
Isotropic - same properties in all
directions. opposite anisotropic
Polarizers, phase retarders, and rotators based
on anisotropy in n-jk
3
Linear Polarizer
dichroism

• The effect of causing white light to be split
  into colors.

• The effect of causing different polarizations to
  be absorbed by different amounts (anisotropy in
  k).

2.
4
Linear Polarizer
Jones matrix
5
Phase Retarder
birefringence
A dependence of the index of refraction on
polarization (anisotropy in n).
Jones
6
Phase Retarder
7
Phase Retarder
circular or elliptical
SA
Phase shift between H and V.
8
Phase Retarder
9
Rotator
rotate by b
linear
optical activity
Rotation of linearly polarized light as it
travels through a material.
10
optical activity
r Specific rotation 10s 100s
degree/mm (depends on wavelength)
RCP
LCP

linear
nL gt nR
Optical activity can be thought of as the result
of circular birefringence!
11
Manipulating Polarization
Birefringence
Dichroism
Linear
Circular
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