Polarisation through quarter-wave plates with optical base plate

p2250105_54

Item no.: P2250105

Principle

Monochromatic light impinges on amica plate, perpenicularly to its optical axis. If the thickness of the plate is adequate (lambda/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 lambda/4 plate and the direction of polarisation of incident light.

Tasks

  1. Measurement of the intensity of linearly polarised light as a function of the analyser’s position (Malus’ law).
  2. Measurement of the light intensity behind the analyser as a function of the angle between the optical axis of the lambda/4 plate and the analyser.
  3. Carrying out experiment (2) with two succesive lambda/4 plates.

What you can learn about

  • Linearly, circularly an elliptically polarised light
  • Polarizer
  • Analyser
  • Malus’ law
  • Plane of polarisation
  • Double refraction
  • Optical axis
  • Ordinary and extraordinary beam