polarized light

Polarization is a property of electromagnetic radiation, like light, where the direction and magnitude of the vibrating electric field are related in a specific way. Light waves are transverse, meaning their electric vectors vibrate perpendicular to the direction of travel.1

Unpolarized light, such as that from the Sun or a light bulb, has electric vectors vibrating in random orientations. When light is polarized, these vibrations are aligned. This can occur in several ways:2

• Plane polarized light: All electric vectors vibrate in the same plane.1
• Circular polarization: The electric vector rotates around the direction of propagation as the wave moves.1

Polarization can be achieved through methods like reflection off surfaces, passing light through polarizing filters (like those in sunglasses or camera filters), or scattering by small particles. Many natural phenomena and technological applications utilize polarized light.13