Code Number: 6H35.30

Demo Title: Polarization - Nicol Prisms

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Birefringence

Area of Study: Optics

Equipment:

Nicol Prisms, Unpolarized Laser, and Polarizers.

Procedure:

Place the prism in the beam of an unpolarized laser with the beam going down the long axis of the prism. The ordinary ray will be directed out the side of the prism and the extraordinary ray will be directed straight out the other end of the prism.

References:

George M. Hopkins, "Polarized Light", Experimental Science, p. 234.
Wikipedia - Nicol Prism.
Joseph Frick, "#202 - Nichol's Prism", Physical Technics: Or Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limmited Means, p. 235.
The Queen Catalogues Vol. I, Catalogue of Microscopes and Accessories, No. 2024, p. 5.

Disclaimer

These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.

Instructional Resources and Lecture Demonstrations

6H35.30 - Polarization - Nicol Prisms

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