§4 Polarizing prisms and polaroids

Polarization devices is a device by which the natural light of the possible, to get a plane polarized light. The basis of the polarization devices based on the phenomenon of birefringence.
Polarization devices are divided into the prism and polaroids. Prism divided into polarizing prism (giving one plane polarized beam) and a birefringent prism (two polarized rays in mutually perpendicular planes.)

Polarizing prisms using the principle of total internal reflection of the usual beam. Total internal reflection occurs when light is incident on the boundary between an optically denser medium to an optically less dense medium. At angles greater than the critical i_cr light is totally reflected, not refracted. The intensity of the reflected light in this case is equal to the intensity of the incident light.

The prism (Scottish scientist 1768-1851) is a double prism of Iceland spar, glued along the line AB Canada balsam, with n = 1.55. The optical axis OO' prism of the inlet face angle 48°. On the front face of the prism natural beam, parallel to the edge CB splits into two beams: the ordinary (n_O = 1.86) and extraordinary (n_e = 1.51). An appropriate choice of the angle of incidence equal to or greater limiting (critical) ordinary ray undergoes total internal reflection (as Canada balsam for him - the less dense medium), and then is absorbed by the blackened surface of the CB. Extraordinary beam exits the crystal parallel to the incident beam slightly offset relative to the incident (due to refraction at the edges AC and BD).

Birefringent prism using the difference in the refractive indices of the ordinary and extraordinary rays in order to separate them as far as possible from each other. They are made of Iceland spar and glass, Iceland spar prisms with perpendicular optic axes.

and the direction of light propagation in the crystal and the wavelength. Dichroism phenomenon manifests itself in different colors of crystals in different directions. An example of a dichroic crystal tourmaline - uniaxial crystal, which is absorbed by the ordinary ray is much more unusual.

Even more pronounced dichroism have crystals herapathite (quinine sulfate iodine). Herapathite film thickness of about ~ 0.1 mm fully absorbs the rays of ordinary visible light. Dichroic crystals are used for the manufacture of polaroids - thin crystalline films, allowing to obtain a plane polarized light.

§5 The analysis of polarized light

Between ordinary and extraordinary rays in the plate there path difference

or the phase difference

plate with

called a quarter-wave plate (plate ) (“+”for positive crystals , “-”for negative). If , at the output of the equation

If the light is incident on the  plate at an angle   α = 45°, then Е₀ = Е_еand the output is circularly polarized light. The plate, which

called a half-wave plate.

§ 6 Artificial optical anisotropy

Several crystals are isotropic, as a result of external influence becomes optically anisotropic. Artificial anisotropy can cause:

where σ - elastic deformation.

When F = 0 light on the screen does not work. When F ≠ 0 on the screen there is an interference pattern.

2. electric field (Kerr effect - the emergence of artificial optical anisotropy of the electric field in liquids, gases, amorphous solids);

where E - electric field,

k₂ - a constant characterizing the material.

3. magnetic field (Cotton-Mouton) the emergence of artificial optical anisotropy in the magnetic field in liquids, glasses, and colloids. A measure of the emerging optical anisotropy is the difference of the refractive indices of the ordinary and extraordinary rays in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

where H - the magnetic field,

k₃ - a constant characterizing the material.