Use of cellophane and similar materials as replacement for crystals in demonstration of conoscopic pictures

Perkal'skis, B. Sh.

doi:10.1119/1.3463146

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The study of conoscopic patterns, fringe patterns that appear when light passes through birefringent media in between crossed polarizers, is a challenging but rich topic that has much to offer in teaching not only vectorial nature of light, but its interaction with birefringent media. [19][20][21] These patterns are widely used in geology for the optical characterization of minerals, 22 but they can easily be reproduced with cellophane, 23 plastics 24 and overhead transparencies. [25][26][27] Along the same lines, liquid crystals also provide a setting for understanding polarization and birefringence.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Poincaré-sphere approach to polarization: Formalism and new labs with Poincaré beams

Jones¹,

D'Addario²,

Rojec³

et al. 2016

American Journal of Physics

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We present a geometric-analytic introductory treatment of polarization based on the circular polarization basis, which connects directly to the Poincaré sphere. This enables a more intuitive way to arrive at the polarization ellipse from the components of the field. We also present an advanced optics lab that uses Poincaré beams, which have a polarization that is spatially variable. The physics of this lab reinforces students' understanding of all states of polarization, and in particular, elliptical polarization. In addition, it exposes them to Laguerre-Gauss modes, the spatial modes used in creating Poincaré beams, which have unique physical properties. In performing this lab, students gain experience in experimental optics, such as aligning and calibrating optical components, using and programming a spatial light modulator, building an interferometer, and performing polarimetry measurements. We present the apparatus for doing the experiments, detailed alignment instructions and lower-cost alternatives.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Poincaré-sphere approach to polarization: Formalism and new labs with Poincaré beams

Jones¹,

D'Addario²,

Rojec³

et al. 2016

American Journal of Physics

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show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Conoscopic figures were discussed in [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. The authors considered simple hands-on experiments that allowed for an observation of conoscopic figures of transparencies [7][8][9] and simple arrangements for observing conoscopic figures of crystals [10][11][12][13][14]. More details were given for a theoretical analysis of conoscopic figures [9,13,15] and propagation of electromagnetic waves through other anisotropic media [16,17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conoscopic figure: a complex consequence of a not so simple phenomenon

Pečar¹,

Čepič²

2014

Eur. J. Phys.

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Observation of conoscopic figures through a special microscope is widely used as an experimental method for determination of optical properties of anisotropic materials. The conoscopic figure appears when a divergent light passes through an anisotropic material sandwiched between crossed polarizers. The complex pattern of bright and dark areas appears due to different polarization states of light. The pattern gives information about optical axes and birefringence of the material and allows for deduction of microscopic structures at the origin of such properties. Due to the complexity of the figure, the method is often used following recipes. This contribution presents a series of experiments that provide students with experiences needed for construction and comprehension of optical phenomena that contribute to the complexity of the conoscopic figure.

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Use of cellophane and similar materials as replacement for crystals in demonstration of conoscopic pictures

Cited by 2 publications

References 1 publication

The Poincaré-sphere approach to polarization: Formalism and new labs with Poincaré beams

The Poincaré-sphere approach to polarization: Formalism and new labs with Poincaré beams

Conoscopic figure: a complex consequence of a not so simple phenomenon

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