Different scholars try to develop different definitions that explain some of the abstract ideas or elements that exist in the universe. Some of these aspects such as air, light, and sound, are things we perceive with our sensory organs but are unable to explain their existence without scientific intervention. This paper focuses on light and polarization of light. The visible aspect of light that enables vision is the result of electromagnetic radiation within the electromagnetic spectrum. In other words, vibrating electric charges produce light waves. When the vibration of an electromagnetic wave such as light moves in multiple planes; it creates actions referred to as unpolarized light (Dhungel). An example of unpolarized light is the light emitted by the sun.
On the other hand, polarized light occurs when the vibration of light waves moves in a single plane. People can use polarized light in several ways. For instance, fishers and motorists use sunglasses to reduce the unwanted amount of reflected light. Geologists also employ this concept with microscopes in the exploitation of minerals. The sensitivity of these types of lenses is high and is used in both quantitative and qualitative studies whose target is a broad range of anisotropic specimen. On the other hand, crystallography employs the quantitative aspect of a polarized light microscopy whose subjects are more complex (Polarized Light Microscopy). In the field of chemistry, polarized light is used for checking chirality of the organic compound as well as in infrared spectroscopy. Another area is in astronomy.
Polarized light provides information on the sources of radiation and scattering. It utilizes Faraday rotation to investigate interstellar magnetic field. Astrologists also study the physics of the early universe using the polarization of cosmic microwave. This concept has also been used in the entertainment industry primarily in the production of 3D movies. Movie producers use orthogonally oriented polarizing filters from different projectors to ensure that each eye receives the intended image. Furthermore, the intrinsic polarization of radio antennas provides proper communication in the transmission of information through radar (Polarized Light Microscopy). For example, vertical polarization is most suitable when the intention is to radiate a radio AM and FM signal in all directions.
Horizontal polarization applies in the transmission of television signals while satellite communication alternates vertical and horizontal polarization to transmit two separate frequencies. Other areas that use polarization include navigation and material science (Dhungel). People are unable to distinguish between polarized and unpolarized light. Therefore, people utilize a type of material known as Polaroid or Polaroid filters that absorb some level of orientations of polarized light. A unique material makes up the polaroid filters whose features allow it to block either one of the two vibration planes of an electromagnetic wave. Polarized light is also useful in determining the size and shape of viruses. It is also essential in photoelastic stress analysis.
Some of the uses are singled out as significant regarding applicability. One of them is Polaroid, or agents that polarize light, reduce the excess glare from the sun as well as headlight glare of cars. Automobiles also have their windshields made up of Polaroid sheets. Earlier painters also relied on the concept to improve color contrast in their oil paintings. Other practical uses of polarized light include measuring the concentration of solutions and in liquid crystal displays. During measuring of a solution’s concentration, the plane of polarization of light rotates to a specific angle depending on the concentration of the solution (The Open Door Web Site). Furthermore, engineers can predict the position a mechanical component will assume using stress patterns depending on the angle of rotation.
- Dhungel, Pabita. “Polarization and Its Application.” Share and Discover Knowledge on LinkedIn SlideShare, 1 Mar. 2015www.slideshare.net/pabitadhungel321/polarization-and-its-application.access
Access 31 Oct. 2017 - “Polarized Light Microscopy.” Nikon?sMicroscopyU, www.microscopyu.com/techniques/polarized-light/polarized-light-microscopy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2017.
- The Open Door Web Site. “The Open Door Web Site : IB Physics : WAVES : PRACTICAL USES OF POLARIZED LIGHT.” The Open Door Web Site : Home Page, www.saburchill.com/physics/chapters2/0042.html. Accessed 31 Oct. 2017.
