polarization

polarization
/poh'leuhr euh zay"sheuhn/, n.
1. a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions.
2. Optics. a state, or the production of a state, in which rays of light or similar radiation exhibit different properties in different directions. Cf. circular polarization, elliptical polarization, plane polarization.
3. Elect.
a. the deposit of gases, produced during electrolysis, on the electrodes of a cell, increasing the resistance of the cell.
b. a vector quantity indicating the electric dipole moment per unit of volume of a dielectric.
c. the induction of polarity in a ferromagnetic substance.
4. the production or acquisition of polarity.
[1805-15; POLARIZE + -ATION]

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Property 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.

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      property of certain electromagnetic radiations in which the direction and magnitude of the vibrating electric field are related in a specified way.

       light waves are transverse: that is, the vibrating electric vector associated with each wave is perpendicular to the direction of propagation. A beam of unpolarized light consists of waves moving in the same direction with their electric vectors pointed in random orientations about the axis of propagation. Plane polarized light consists of waves in which the direction of vibration is the same for all waves. In circular polarization the electric vector rotates about the direction of propagation as the wave progresses. Light may be polarized by reflection or by passing it through filters, such as certain crystals, that transmit vibration in one plane but not in others.

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Universalium. 2010.

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