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polarization |
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polarizationProperty of certain types of electromagnetic radiation in which the direction and magnitude of the vibrating electric field are related in a specified way. The electric vector representing the magnitude and direction of the electric field in a wave of light is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is moving. Unpolarized light consists of waves moving in the same direction with their electric vectors pointing in random orientations about the axis of propagation. Plane-polarized light consists only of waves that vibrate in one direction. In circular polarization the electric vector rotates about the propagation direction. Light may be polarized by reflection or by passing it through polarizing filters, such as certain crystals, that transmit vibrations in one plane but not in others. Polarized light has useful applications in crystallography, liquid-crystal displays, optical filters, and the identification of optically active chemical compounds. polarization, polarisation Physics the process or phenomenon in which the waves of light or other electromagnetic radiation are restricted to certain directions of vibration, usually specified in terms of the electric field vector How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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The new subsidiary will have the capability to produce 500,000 polarizing films a month and 5,000 tons of diffusers, both designed for liquid crystals, scheduled to start operations in summer 2007. The European telecommunications industry faces major challenges from increasing competition, empowered customers, a polarizing industry and rapid technological change, according to a study by Ernst & Young. The instrument most commonly used to evaluate stresses is a simple polariscope, or "strain viewer," consisting of a white light source and suitable polarizing elements. |
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