polarizzata

Polarizzata is the Italian term used to denote polarized light or a polarized state. In physics, polarized light is light in which the electric field oscillates with a preferred orientation. In a fully linearly polarized beam, the electric field oscillates in a single plane; in circular polarization, the field rotates with constant magnitude, tracing a helix along the direction of propagation; elliptical polarization is a general case between the two.

Polarization can be produced by polarizers that transmit only waves with a given orientation, by reflection at certain angles (Brewster's angle), by scattering, or by birefringent materials that split light into components with different phase velocities. Polarized light can be converted between states by waveplates.

Characterization uses concepts: Malus's law for intensity after a linear polarizer, degree of polarization, and Stokes parameters. The polarization state is described by Stokes vector (I, Q, U, V).

Applications include polarizing filters in photography and sunglasses that reduce glare; LCD and OLED displays rely on polarization; 3D cinema uses dual polarization; optical communications use polarization-division multiplexing. In astronomy, polarimetry can reveal magnetic fields and scattering properties.

Natural polarization occurs due to scattering in the atmosphere, as well as at reflections from water or metal surfaces; some animals can detect polarization patterns, aiding navigation. The concept has historical roots in the 19th century with experiments by Malus and Fresnel.