This document describes an experiment to demonstrate polarization of light using quarter-wave plates. A monochromatic light source passes through a quarter-wave plate, which introduces a 90° phase shift between the ordinary and extraordinary beams. An analyzer is used to examine the exiting polarized light. Intensity measurements are taken as the analyzer and quarter-wave plate are rotated to demonstrate Malus' law and how polarization is affected by successive quarter-wave plates. The necessary equipment for the experiment is also listed.
This document describes an experiment to demonstrate polarization of light using quarter-wave plates. A monochromatic light source passes through a quarter-wave plate, which introduces a 90° phase shift between the ordinary and extraordinary beams. An analyzer is used to examine the exiting polarized light. Intensity measurements are taken as the analyzer and quarter-wave plate are rotated to demonstrate Malus' law and how polarization is affected by successive quarter-wave plates. The necessary equipment for the experiment is also listed.
This document describes an experiment to demonstrate polarization of light using quarter-wave plates. A monochromatic light source passes through a quarter-wave plate, which introduces a 90° phase shift between the ordinary and extraordinary beams. An analyzer is used to examine the exiting polarized light. Intensity measurements are taken as the analyzer and quarter-wave plate are rotated to demonstrate Malus' law and how polarization is affected by successive quarter-wave plates. The necessary equipment for the experiment is also listed.
This document describes an experiment to demonstrate polarization of light using quarter-wave plates. A monochromatic light source passes through a quarter-wave plate, which introduces a 90° phase shift between the ordinary and extraordinary beams. An analyzer is used to examine the exiting polarized light. Intensity measurements are taken as the analyzer and quarter-wave plate are rotated to demonstrate Malus' law and how polarization is affected by successive quarter-wave plates. The necessary equipment for the experiment is also listed.
What you can learn about Linearly, circularly and elliptically polarised light Polarizer Analyser Plane of polarisation Malus' law Double refraction Optical axis Ordinary and extraordinary beam
Principle: Monochromatic light impinges on a mica plate, perpendicularly to its optical axis. If the thickness of the plate is adequate (l/4 plate), a phase shift of 90 occurs between the ordinary and the extraordinary beam when the latter leaves the crystal. The polarisation of exiting light is examined for different angles between the optical axis of the l/4 plate and the direction of polarisation of incident light.
What you need:
Optical base plate with rubber feet
08700.00
He-Ne-laser, 5 mW with holder*
08701.00
Power supply for laser head 5 mW*
08702.93
Adjusting support 3535 mm
08711.00
Surface mirror 3030 mm
08711.01
Magnetic foot for optical base plate
08710.00
Lensholder for optical base plate
08723.00
Lens, mounted, f = +20 mm
08018.01
Diaphragm holder for optical base plate
08724.00
Polarizing filter for optical base plate
08730.00
Polarization specimen, mica
08664.00
Photoelement for optical base plate**
08734.00
Universal measuring amplifier**
13626.93
Voltmeter, 0.3-300 VDC, 10-300 VAC
07035.00
Connecting cord, l = 500 mm, red**
07361.01
08180.93
08760.99
*Alternative to laser 5 mW, power supply and shutter:
Laser, He-Ne 0.2/1.0 mW, 220 V AC or Diodelaser 0.2/1 mW; 635 nm
Intensity distribution of polarised light for different angles of the /4 plate,
as a function of the analyser position.
**Alternative: Si-Photodetector with amplifier
08735.00
Control Unit for Si-Photodetector
08735.99
Screened cable, BNC, l = 750 mm
07542.11
Adapter, BNC-socket/4mm plug pair
07542.27
Complete Equipment Set, Manual on CD-ROM included
Polarisation through l/4 plates P2250105
PHYWE Systeme GmbH & Co. KG D - 37070 Gttingen
Tasks: 1. Measurement of the intensity of linearly polarised light as a function of the analysers position (Malus law) 2. Measurement of the light intensity behind the analyser as a func-
tion of the angle between the optical axis of the l/4 plate and the analyser. 3. Carrying out experiment (2) with two successive l/4 plates.
