Two polarisers P1 and P2 are placed in such a way that the intensity of the transmitted light will be zero. A third polariser P3 is inserted in between P1 and P2, at particular angle between P2 and P3. The transmitted intensity of the light passing through all three polarisers is maximum. The angle between the polarisers P2 and P3 is :
- /6
- 3
- 4
- /8
Answer
(3) 4
Solution
Zero transmitted intensity the axes of P1 and P2 are perpendicular.
Let the axis of P3 make angle with P1; then it makes (90 - ) with P2.
Unpolarised light of intensity I0 after P1: I02
After P3 (Malus's law): I02 2
After P2: I = I02 2 2(90 - ) = I02 2 2
I = I08 2 2
I is maximum when 2 = 90 = 45
Angle between P2 and P3 = 90 - 45 = 45 = 4
Answer: (3)