Polarization Calculator
Calculate transmitted intensity through polarizers using Malus's law and Brewster's angle
About this calculator
The Polarization Calculator is an essential tool for physics students and optical engineers to calculate transmitted light intensity through polarizing filters. Using Malus's law, it determines how much light passes through crossed polarizers based on the angle between their transmission axes. The calculator also computes Brewster's angle, the critical angle at which reflected light becomes completely polarized, making it invaluable for designing anti-reflective coatings and understanding light-matter interactions.
How to use
Enter the initial light intensity and the angle between polarizer axes to calculate transmitted intensity using Malus's law. For Brewster's angle calculations, input the refractive index of the material. The calculator instantly provides results showing how polarization affects light transmission through optical components.
Frequently asked questions
What is Malus's law?
Malus's law states that transmitted light intensity through a polarizer equals the initial intensity multiplied by the cosine squared of the angle between polarization directions.
What is Brewster's angle used for?
Brewster's angle is the incident angle at which reflected light becomes completely polarized, commonly used in designing polarized sunglasses and anti-reflective optical coatings.
When does maximum light transmission occur?
Maximum light transmission occurs when polarizers are aligned parallel (0° angle), while minimum transmission happens when they're perpendicular (90° angle).