Circular polarization: Difference between revisions

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In a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave, the individual electric field vectors, as well as their combined vector, have a constant [[Magnitude (vector)|magnitude]], and with changing phase angle. Given that this is a [[plane wave]], each vector represents the magnitude and direction of the electric field for an entire plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis. Specifically, given that this is a [[Plane wave#Polarized electromagnetic plane waves|circularly polarized plane wave]], these vectors indicate that the electric field, from plane to plane, has a constant strength while its direction steadily rotates. Refer to [[Sinusoidal_plane_wave#Polarized electromagnetic plane waves|these two images]]{{dead link|date=January 2021}} in the plane wave article to better appreciate this dynamic. This light is considered to be right-hand, clockwise circularly polarized if viewed by the receiver. Since this is an [[Electromagnetic radiation|electromagnetic wave]], each [[electric field]] vector has a corresponding, but not illustrated, [[magnetic field]] vector that is at a [[right angle]] to the electric field vector and [[Proportionality (mathematics)|proportional]] in magnitude to it. As a result, the magnetic field vectors would trace out a second helix if displayed.

Circular polarization is often encountered in the field of optics and, in this section, the electromagnetic wave will be simply referred to as [[light]].