- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
- J. Electrostatics & Magnetostatics
- K. Electromagnetic Principles
- L. Geometrical Optics
- M. Wave Optics
- N. Spectra & Color
- O. Vision
- P. Modern Physics
M8-21. Calcite Birefringence
Purpose
To demonstrate birefringence in a calcite crystal.
Equipment
Bright point source with condenser lens and iris, Letter F in baffle, calcite crystal in rotating mount, 15 cm convex lens, rotating polaroid on inserting mount.
Setup Time
5 minutes.
Images
Description
Light from a bright point source passes through an object (a letter F in a baffle), a calcite crystal, and a lens,which focusses the F onto a distant screen. The calcite crystal can be rotated in its baffle to show separation of the two polarization components. The rotatable polaroid at the right is inserted into the beam to demonstrate that the two component images are orthogonally polarized.
References
M. Parker Givens and Wendell V. Discher, Comments on the Optics of Birefringent Crystals, AJP 22, 379-384, (1954).Werner B. Schneider, A surprising optical property of Plexiglas rods - An unusual approach to birefringence, AJP 59, 1086-1087 (1991).
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization
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See pagesm2. diffraction circular
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See pagesm3. interferometers
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See pagesm4. thin film interference
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See pagesm6. holograms
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See pagesm7. polarization & scattering
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See pagesm8. optical activity & birefringence
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See pagesm9. elliptical polarization