highdegreeofpolymerization

High degree of polarization is a term used to describe a condition in which outcomes, signals, or opinions are dominated by two or more opposed states with limited overlap.

In physics and engineering, polarization refers to the orientation of light waves. The degree of polarization (DOP) quantifies how much of a light beam is polarized, with values between 0 and 1. A DOP of 1 indicates fully polarized light, while a DOP of 0 indicates completely unpolarized light. DOP can be measured using polarimetry and Stokes parameters; high DOP is desired in applications such as fiber-optic communications, imaging, and spectroscopy.

In political and social contexts, polarization describes a widening separation of opinions, beliefs, or identities into camps with little common ground. High political polarization is typically assessed through survey distributions, party alignment, and measures of affective polarization. Causes include ideological realignment, media fragmentation, social identity dynamics, and geographic sorting. Consequences may include legislative gridlock, heightened political rhetoric, and reduced cross-cutting compromise.

Because the term is used in distinct disciplines, its interpretation depends on context. The common thread is a reduced overlap between opposing groups or states, resulting in pronounced divisions.