Experiment 12: Optical Filters

Purpose: explore the effects of polorizing filters angled in respect to one another on light intensity transmitted.

Equipment:

• Polarizing filters
• Meter Stick
• Clamps
• Lamp
• Angle measured paper

Experiment:

Two Polarizing filter setup with light source shining through and lumens detector at end.

The angles were drawn in using an angle drawn circular paper



In the three polarizing filter experiment, we notice that with the first and last filters at 90 degrees with respect to one another, the middle filter must be at 45 degrees to maximize transmission of light.

Conclusion: 

Does the light from the fluorescent bulb have any polarization to it? If so, in what plane is the light polarized? How can you tell?

• No, the fluorescent bulb was not polarized as it did not have any shading on it. In addition, you can tell there was a single polarization filer cannot absorbe a significant amount of light, therefore two will be needed in order to filter enought of the transmitted light.

Does the reflected light have an polarization to it? If so, in what plane is the light polarized? How can you tell?

• Yes, the reflected light has polarization once the filters were set paralled to one another, turning pitch dark.

In addition, the only way to calculate uncertainty in this lab was the visualization of the cosine squared fuction on the logger pro.

The data plots were pretty sinosoidal and they appeared to support the conclusions in the questions asked.