Q. Which of the following diagrams represent the variation of electric field vector with time for a cirularly polarized light?

A) [image:10_image6.emf]
B) [image:10_image7.emf]
C) [image:10_image8.emf]
D) [image:10_image9.emf]
Explanation

(a) When two plane-polarised waves are superimposed, then under certain conditions, the resultant light vector rotates with a constant magnitude in a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation. The tip of the vector traces a circle and the light is said to be circularly polarized.
To form circularly polarized light
$E_{x} = E_{0}\sin{\omega\ t}$
$E_{y} = E_{0}\cos{\omega\ t} = E_{0}\sin\left( \omega\ t + \frac{\pi}{2} \right)$
Where, $E_{0}$ is amplitude.
Resultant amplitude
$\left| \mathbf{E} \right|^{2} = E_{0}^{2} + E_{0}^{2} + 2E_{0}\ .E_{0}\cos\frac{\pi}{2}$
$\left| \mathbf{E} \right| = E_{0}\sqrt{2} = constant$
Hence, the correct graph will be option (a).

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

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