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Polarization of Light

Problem 5.186

Monochromatic light with circular polarization falls normally on a crystalline plate cut parallel to the optical axis. Behind the plate there is a Nicol prism whose principal direction forms an angle φ\varphi with the optical axis of the plate. Demonstrate that the intensity of light transmitted through that system is equal to I=I0(1+sin2φsinδ) I=I_{0}(1+\sin 2 \varphi \cdot \sin \delta) where δ\delta is the phase difference between the ordinary and extraordinary rays which is introduced by the plate.

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