Polarization and Scattering

Brewster's Angle

[L | t+ | ★★]
Reflected light from spot lamp is tested for degree of polarization as a function of angle of reflection.

[In-Depth Description]

Polarization by Scattering

[M | t+ | ★★★]
Simulation of atmospheric scattering and polarization of sunlight using slide projector and aquarium containing milky water.

[In-Depth Description]

Mie Scattering

[M | t+ | —]
Wavelength and angular dependence of the intensity of light scattered from micron size spheres is observed in an aquarium.

Double Refraction

[S | t | ★★★]
Transmitted light split into two polarized rays by calcite crystal.

[In-Depth Description]

Polarization by Absorption

[M | t | ★★]
Polaroid filters are used to polarize as well as analyze light.

[In-Depth Description]

Malus' Law

[M | t | ★★★]
Two Polaroid filters are used to show cos2(f) dependence of transmitted intensity.

[In-Depth Description]

Photoelasticity

[M | t | ★★★]
Stress patterns in transparent plastic revealed when placed between two crossed Polaroid filters on OHP.

[In-Depth Description]

Circular Polarization

[S | t+ | ★★]
Circular polarization produced by linear polarizer, 1/4 wave retardation, and reflection from mirror.

[In-Depth Description]

Sugar Syrups

[S | t+ | ★★]
OHP polarimeter reveals circular polarization of sugar syrups.

[In-Depth Description]

Syrup Tube

[M | t+ | ★★★]
A 6-ft long glass tube filled with Karo syrup rotates the polarization dozens of times.

[In-Depth Description]

Contact Us

Mailing Address: Lecture Demonstration Services, Science Center, Rm B-08A, 1 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Campus Location: Science Center B-08A | Tel: (617) 495-5824 | Email: scidemos-at-fas.harvard.edu