All Problems

Polarization of Light

Problem 5.183

A quartz plate cut parallel to its optical axis is placed between two crossed Nicol prisms so that their principle directions form an angle of \(45^{\circ}\) with the optical axis of the plate. What is the minimum thickness of that plate transmitting light of wavelength \(\lambda_{1}=643 \mathrm{nm}\) with maximum intensity while greatly reducing the intensity of transmitting light of wavelength \(\lambda_{2}=564\) nm? The difference of refractive indices for extraordinary and ordinary rays is assumed to be equal to \(n_{e}-n_{0}=0.0090\) for both wavelengths.

Reveal Answer
d=(k1/2)λ˙1/Δn=0.25 mm, where k=4d=(k-1 / 2) \dot{\lambda}_{1} / \Delta n=0.25 \mathrm{~mm}, \text { where } k=4