In response to Scott Krefetz question (below) about
the lack of polarized light reflections from polished metal,
Mark Phillips, C.M.Phillips@Metrologic.com replies:
Well, the statement is not EXACTLY true, there is ALWAYS some
degree of polarization at a reflective interface.
However, the difference between a transparent material
(such as glass) and a reflective material (metal) is that the
component of the polarized light which aligns best with the
material is TRANSMITTED through the glass, leaving the
remaining polarization component to be reflected. In a metal,
with a very high refractive index, it is thought that the
electron cloud on the surface of the metal responds
equally well to either polarization component.
Mark Phillips
"Mr. Krefetz" <science98@HOTMAIL.COM> asks
An interesting observation of polarized light. It is polarized when
reflected off of a transparent material (glass or plastic) which
follows the explanations from the textbook. But when the
reflection is from a polished metal surface, the light is not polarized.
Why?
Thanks
Scott Krefetz
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