polarization

Definition: Ordering or alignment of the vibrations of electromagnetic radiation: the alignment is at right-angles to the axis of the radiation. * Restriction of oscillations of a field vector to a single plane in a beam of electromagnetic radiation: usually the plane of polarization that of the electric field vector. * A beam may have two components of plane-polarization: if these are at an angle to each each and out of phase, the combined vector follows an elliptical path i.e. the plane of polarization rotates as it propagates. * One special case being circular: such a beam is said to be circularly polarized.

Related Terms: plane-polarized light

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