6H35.35 - Polarization - Wollaston Prisms

Code Number:
6H35.35
Demo Title:
Polarization - Wollaston Prisms
Condition:
Excellent
Principle:
Birefringence
Area of Study:
Optics
Equipment:
Wollaston Type Prisms, Unpolarized Laser, and Polarizers
Procedure:

These prisms are made from calcite, but are designed so that the two polarized rays have a greater divergence angle that you would have using a calcite crystal.

References:
  • Wikipedia - Wallaston Prism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wollaston_prism.
  • T. Kallard, "Interferometric Method of Producing Optical Diffraction Gratings ", Exploring Laser Light, p. 232.
  • Wallace A. Hilton, "P-2", Experiments in Optical Physics, p. 60.
  • Jearl Walker, "6.129, Colors and Spots and Polarization", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 296.

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.