Question

Circularly polarized light is produced if the amplitudes of the ordinary and extraordinary rays are equal and there is a phase difference of:

• A. \( 180^\circ \)
• B. \( 90^\circ \)
• C. \( 45^\circ \)
• D. \( 0^\circ \)

Hint:

Quarter-wave plates introduce a \( 90^\circ \) phase shift to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Circularly polarized light is obtained when:
1. The amplitudes of the ordinary and extraordinary waves are equal.
2. The phase difference between the two waves is \( 90^\circ \) or \( \frac{\pi}{2} \) radians.