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Photonics Dictionary

linear polarization

Linear polarization refers to the polarization state of light where the electric field oscillates in a single plane as the light propagates through space. In other words, the electric field vector of linearly polarized light vibrates along a specific axis, defining the orientation of the polarization. Linear polarization can occur in any direction relative to the propagation axis, resulting in horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or any intermediate orientation.

Mathematically, linear polarization can be represented by the superposition of two orthogonal (perpendicular) components of the electric field vector, typically denoted as \(E_x\) and \(E_y\), where the electric field oscillates only in the \(x\) or \(y\) direction, respectively. The resultant electric field vector describes a straight line (hence "linear") in the plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Linearly polarized light can be produced through various mechanisms, including transmission through polarizing filters, reflection from certain surfaces at specific angles (Brewster's angle), or scattering processes that preferentially align the electric field vector along a particular direction.

Linear polarization plays a crucial role in various optical applications, including telecommunications, microscopy, photography, and polarized sunglasses. It is also utilized in scientific research, remote sensing, and polarization-sensitive imaging techniques for analyzing and characterizing materials, biological samples, and atmospheric phenomena.
 
See plane-polarized light; polarization.
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