| optical device that modifies a beam of optical radiation to produce a beam with a unique state of polarization irrespective of the state of polarization of the incident radiation Note 1 to entry: A polarizer is called a linear, circular or elliptical polarizer depending on the state of polarization produced. Note 2 to entry: The unqualified term "polarizer" is frequently used to describe a linear polarizer. Note 3 to entry: A distinction is made between a perfect polarizer that transmits only a unique state of polarization and an imperfect polarizer that, in addition to transmitting a unique state of polarization, does not completely exclude all other polarization states.
|