#  Polarization and Scattering 

 



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### Brewster's Angle

\[L | t+ | ★★\]   
Reflected light from spot lamp is tested for degree of polarization as a function of angle of reflection.   
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/brewsters-angle)\]

### Polarization by Scattering

\[M | t+ | ★★★\]  
Simulation of atmospheric scattering and polarization of sunlight using slide projector and aquarium containing milky water.  
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/polarization-scattering)\]

### 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.   
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/double-refraction)\]

### Polarization by Absorption

\[M | t | ★★\]   
Polaroid filters are used to polarize as well as analyze light.  
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/polarization-absorption)\]

### Malus' Law

\[M | t | ★★★\]   
Two Polaroid filters are used to show cos2(f) dependence of transmitted intensity.   
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/malus-law)\]

### Photoelasticity

\[M | t | ★★★\]   
Stress patterns in transparent plastic revealed when placed between two crossed Polaroid filters on OHP.   
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/photoelasticity)\]

### Circular Polarization

\[S | t+ | ★★\]   
Circular polarization produced by linear polarizer, 1/4 wave retardation, and reflection from mirror.   
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/circular-polarization)\]

### Sugar Syrups

\[S | t+ | ★★\]   
OHP polarimeter reveals circular polarization of sugar syrups.   
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/sugar-syrups)\]

### Syrup Tube

\[M | t+ | ★★★\]  
A 6-ft long glass tube filled with Karo syrup rotates the polarization dozens of times.  
  
\[[In-Depth Description](/presentations/syrup-tube)\]

### 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