Polarization (waves)

Polarization (also known as wave polarization) is a property of waves that can oscillate with more than one orientation. In the context of electromagnetic waves, such as light, polarization describes the orientation of the electric field's oscillations.

Overview

Electromagnetic waves are composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which are perpendicular to each other. The direction of the electric field determines the wave's polarization.

File:Polarization (waves).png

Illustration of the electric field oscillation direction in a plane-polarized electromagnetic wave.

Types of Polarization

There are three types of polarization: linear, circular, and elliptical polarization.

Linear Polarization

In linear polarization, the electric field oscillates in a single direction or plane. This is the simplest form of polarization and is often used in various technologies, such as LCD screens.

Circular Polarization

Circular polarization occurs when the electric field's oscillation direction rotates at the optical frequency, creating a helical wavefront. This type of polarization is used in technologies such as 3D cinema and satellite communication.

Elliptical Polarization

Elliptical polarization is a more general form of polarization where the electric field's oscillation traces out an ellipse in a plane. This can be considered a combination of linear and circular polarization.

Polarization in Medicine

Polarization is a key concept in medical imaging technologies such as MRI and optical coherence tomography. By manipulating the polarization of light, these technologies can create detailed images of the body's internal structures.

See Also

• Wave theory
• Electromagnetic spectrum
• Medical imaging

References

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