Polarizer

A light wave that oscillates in multiple planes is known as unpolarized light. Light from sources such as the sun, lamps, or candle flames is typically unpolarized. However, it is possible to transform unpolarized light into polarized light, where the oscillations occur in a single plane. There are a variety of methods of polarizing light. One of the most common methods for polarizing light is through the use of a polarizer. A polarizer works because of its chemical composition. The filter can be thought of as containing long-chain molecules that are aligned in the same direction. During manufacturing, these molecules are stretched across the filter, typically aligned in a vertical direction. When unpolarized light strikes the polarizer, only the portion of the light waves oscillating in the direction perpendicular to the alignment of the molecules passes through, while the oscillations that are parallel to the alignment of the molecules (e.g., vertical) are absorbed.