Question

Define Polarization.

Answer 1

Polarization is a property of waves that can oscillate with more than one orientation. Electromagnetic waves such as light exhibit polarization, as do some other types of wave, such as gravitational waves.

Classification of Polarization
Light in the form of a plane wave in space is said to be linearly polarized. Light is a transverse electromagnetic wave, but natural light is generally unpolarized, all planes of propagation being equally probable. If a light is composed of two plane waves of equal amplitude by differing in phase by ${90}^{\circ }$, then the light is said to be circularly polarized. If two plane waves of differing amplitude are related in phase by ${90}^{\circ }$, or if the relative phase is other than ${90}^{\circ }$ then the light is said to be elliptically polarized.

Linear Polarization
A plane electromagnetic wave is said to be linearly polarized. The transverse electric field wave is accompanied by a magnetic field wave as illustrated.