Menu
Photonics Media
Buyers' Guide
EDU Photonics
Register
Login
Dictionary
Handbook
Institutions
Work
Subscribe
Advertise
About Us
Bookstore
Search
This Week in Photonics
Light Matters Monthly Alert
Photonics Spectra
Newsletter
BioPhotonics
Newsletter
EuroPhotonics
Newsletter
Asia-Pacific Photonics Newsletter
Photonics Showcase
Newsletter
Spectroscopy Newsletter
Tradeshow Sneak Previews
Industrial Photonics
: Lasers Newsletter
Industrial Photonics
: Vision Newsletter
Photonics in Defense & Aerospace Newsletter
Photonics Media Bookstore Alert
Photonics Marketing Newsletter
Photonics Media Press Author Community
Technology Newsletters
ABOUT US
BOOKSTORE
SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE
Login
Register
PHOTONICS DICTIONARY
PHOTONICS HANDBOOK
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
WORK IN PHOTONICS
Photonics Dictionary
polarization
With respect to light radiation, the restriction of the vibrations of the magnetic or electric field vector to a single plane. In a beam of electromagnetic radiation, the polarization direction is the direction of the electric field vector (with no distinction between positive and negative as the field oscillates back and forth). The polarization vector is always in the plane at right angles to the beam direction. Near some given stationary point in space the polarization direction in the beam can vary at random (unpolarized beam), can remain constant (plane-polarized beam), or can have two coherent plane-polarized elements whose polarization directions make a right angle. In the latter case, depending on the amplitude of the two waves and their relative phase, the combined electric vector traces out an ellipse and the wave is said to be elliptically polarized. Elliptical and plane polarizations can be converted into each other by means of birefringent optical systems.
See Also
Related Articles
Photonics Spectra Dec 2017
All-Optical Polarization Control Could Allow Faster Data Transfer
Photonics Spectra Oct 2017
Highly Efficient Beamsplitter for THz Uses Artificial Dielectrics
EuroPhotonics Sep 2017
Specialty Fibers Revolutionize Sensing
BioPhotonics Oct 2017
Raman-Based Approach Images Biological Processes in Action
Photonics Spectra Jul 2016
Focus on Polarization
Products & Suppliers
Related Categories
9 companies
Polarization Controllers
1 company
Fiber Optic Polarization Meters
25 companies
Polarization-Maintaining Fiber Optic Couplers
EDUCATION NEWS
from Photonics Media
QCL-based IR Microscopy Performs Rapid Cancer Diagnosis
7 hours ago
New Technology for Structuring Quartz Glass Like a Polymer
1 day ago
Quantum-Enhanced Plasmonic Sensing Could Improve Biosensing, Chemical Detection
2 days ago
New TFT Fabrication Method Could Help Improve Display Technology
2 days ago
Multidisciplinary Initiative Investigates Light as an Energy Source
2 days ago
view all
POPULAR ARTICLES
Scatter and BSDF Measurements: Theory and Practice
Detector Options for Low-Light Applications
Optical System Optimization: Analyzing the Effects of Stray Light
Light Is the Ultimate Medium for High-Speed Communications
The Long and the Short of It: Techniques for Measuring Aspheres
HELPFUL TOOLS
Laser Wavelength Chart
Laser Timeline
Photonics Timeline
EVENTS & COURSES
from Photonics Media
MAY
4
Artist Photonics
New York, NY, United States
MAY
20
Display Week 2018
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Display Week brings together system integrators, designers, consumers, scientists, engineers and...
MAY
28
International Conference on Astronomy and Astrobiology
Osaka, Japan
MAY
30
European Conference on Integrated Optics 2018
Valencia, Spain
Call for Papers
MAY
30
ICALEO 2018
Submissions for peer reviewed abstracts: May 30.
JUN
1
Interphotonics 2018
Abstract submissions due: June 1.
view all
submit event
BOOKSTORE
WEBINAR: Technology Business Champions’ Guide to Successful Commercialization
Special Archived Webinar Event This webinar is for anyone interested in developing and...
BUY NOW >
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us
Our Publications
Photonics Spectra
BioPhotonics
Industrial Photonics
EuroPhotonics
Photonics Showcase
Photonics Buyers' Guide
Photonics Handbook
Photonics Dictionary
E-Newsletters
Sections
News
Features
Products
White Papers
Media
Light Matters Newscast
Webinars
Events & Courses Calendar
Browse by Subject
Lasers
Optics
Imaging
Biophotonics
Industrial
Sensors & Detectors
Test & Measurement
Light Sources
Fiber Optics
Spectroscopy
Microscopy
Materials & Coatings
Services
Subscribe
Login
Register
Advertise
Submit a Press Release
List in the Buyers' Guide
Buy Wall Charts
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us
back to top
©2018 Photonics Media, 100 West St., Pittsfield, MA, 01201 USA,
info@photonics.com
x
We deliver – right to your inbox. Subscribe FREE to our newsletters.