Polarization of Light: Techniques and Applications

This lecture covers the generation, manipulation, and measurement of polarized light using techniques such as polarizers, wave plates, and birefringence. It explains how different materials like calcite and tourmaline can polarize light and the applications in photography, microscopy, and LCD screens. The lecture also delves into the concept of birefringence in anisotropic materials, the classification of crystals based on their optical properties, and the use of wave plates to change the polarization state. Additionally, it discusses the Jones matrices for polarizers, the phase shifts introduced by wave plates, and the construction of optical devices like Wollaston prisms and Nicol prisms for polarization control.