Light Propagation In Anisotropic Media Research Articles

Analogies between the torque-free motion of a rigid body about a fixed point and light propagation in anisotropic media

An apparently unnoticed analogy between the torque-free motion of a rotating rigid body about a fixed point and the propagation of light in anisotropic media is stated. First, a new plane construction for visualizing this torque-free motion is proposed. This method uses an intrinsic representation alternative to angular momentum and independent of the modulus of angular velocity \U0001d6da. The equivalence between this plane construction and the well-known Poinsot's three-dimensional graphical procedure is also shown. From this equivalence, analogies have been found between the general plane wave equation (relation of dispersion) in anisotropic media and basic equations of torque-free motion of a rigid body about a fixed point. These analogies allow reciprocal transfer of results between optics and mechanics and, as an example, reinterpretation of the internal conical refraction phenomenon in biaxial media is carried out. This paper is intended as an interdisciplinary application of analogies for students and teachers in the context of intermediate physics courses at university level.

Using the Jones matrix to model light propagation in anisotropic media

Using a twisted nematic liquid crystal as an example, this paper discusses the use of the Jones matrix to find the parameters of a light wave propagating in an inhomogeneous anisotropic medium, which is represented for the numerical calculations by a sequence of thin homogeneous layers. The accuracy of the result is analyzed as a function of the parameters of the medium and the number of layers into which it is broken up. A criterion is proposed for finding the optimum number of layers.

Using the optical microscope to characterize molecular ordering in polymers

AbstractThis review aims to encompass various situations where optical microscopy—particularly observation and measurement of birefringence—can be used to deduce the nature of intermolecular correlations in polymers. The necessary background dealing with light propagation in anisotropic media is summarized in practical terms. The review is especially concerned with illustrating how unjustified assumptions and ambiguous terminology can cause erroneous interpretation of results. Many references cited are themselves reviews or even textbooks; they afford detailed access to the wide and diffuse literature that full coverage of this subject demands, but would constitute an unwieldly bibliography if listed as individual publications.