6. Polarization interferometers
So far, we haven't talked about the vector nature of light. If we take into account the orientation of the electric and magnetic field vectors that make up an electromagnetic wave, new properties will emerge with certain transparent substances that do not have the same properties in all directions: these are anisotropic media. Here, we'll be observing interference between different polarization states, leading to assemblies with highly interesting properties.
6.1 Structure of an electromagnetic wave
An electromagnetic wave propagates according to Maxwell's equations, which are the general expression of the properties of electric charges in motion. Denoting byE an electric field and by H a magnetic field, we verify :
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Polarization interferometers
Interferometer applications
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