Suppose that the light falling on the polarizer in Figure 24.20 is partially polarized (average intensity = SÌ…P) and partially unpolarized (average intensity = SÌ…U). The total incident intensity is SÌ…P + SÌ…U, and the percentage polarization is 100 SÌ…P / (SÌ…P + SÌ…U). When the polarizer is rotated in such a situation, the intensity reaching the photocell varies between a minimum value of SÌ…min and a maximum value of SÌ…max. Show that the percentage polarization can be expressed as 100 (SÌ…max - SÌ…min)/(SÌ…max + SÌ…min).

Figure 24.20

Transcribed Image Text:

E cos θ Unpolarized light Polarizer Analyzer Photocell TE 90° Ecos θ