POLARIZER Meaning and
Definition
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A polarizer refers to a device or material that has the capacity to filter, modify, or alter the polarization state of electromagnetic waves, particularly light. It achieves this by allowing light waves oscillating in only one plane or direction to pass through while blocking or attenuating waves oscillating in other planes or directions. In other words, a polarizer selectively transmits light with a specific polarization angle while effectively absorbing or reflecting light waves with different angles of polarization.
Typically, a polarizer consists of a special filtering material or a thin layer, often made of a photoelastic crystal or a microscopically aligned polymer. It can also be a sheet of glass or plastic containing long-chain molecules that are oriented in a particular direction. By manipulating the transmission and reflection characteristics of the polarized light, polarizers find numerous applications in various fields, such as photography, optics, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and scientific research.
Polarizers possess the ability to reduce glare caused by reflections from non-metallic surfaces like water or glass. They are extensively used in sunglasses and camera filters to enhance visibility, improve image clarity, and eliminate unwanted light or reflections. Furthermore, they find application in LCD monitors and screens, by allowing only specific polarizations to pass through, resulting in enhanced image quality, contrast, and reduced eyestrain. Additionally, polarizers are employed in scientific experiments, microwaves, and telecommunications to manipulate and control the polarization state of electromagnetic waves.
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The part of a polariscope which polarizes the light, as distinguished from the analyzer.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLARIZER
Etymology of POLARIZER
The word "polarizer" is derived from the noun "polarize", which originated from the Latin word "polaris" meaning "of a pivot, of the heavens" or "north star". The Latin term "polaris" is further derived from the Greek word "polos", which means "pivot" or "axis". The verb form "polarize" first appeared in the 19th century in the field of optics, referring to the process of aligning or filtering light waves to produce polarization. From this verb, the noun "polarizer" was formed to denote a device or material used for polarization.
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