then the polarization can be categorized using the two real quantities
and 
Polarization is a description of how the direction of the electric field vector changes with time at a fixed point in space. If the wave is propagating in the positive z-direction, the electric field vector at a fixed point, say at z = 0, can be expressed in the following general form:
then the polarization can be categorized using the two real quantities and
The 9 animation sequences listed under this topic show the formation of the polarization ellipse for different combinations of and .
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Linear Polarization |
For A = 0, the electric field vector has only the x-component. The tip of the electric field vector traces a line as time advances.
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3D View of A = 0 |
This animation sequence combines the pictures of an advancing sinusoidal wave and the oscillating electric field vector for the A = 0 case.
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Linear Polarization |
The x- and y-components of the electric field have the same magnitude and are oscillating in phase. The tip of the total electric field vector still traces a line.
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Linear Polarization |
The y-component of the electric field is twice stronger than the x-component. However, since they oscillate in-phase, the polarization remains linear.
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Left-Hand Circular Polarization |
The x- and y-components of the electric field have the same magnitude and are oscillating 90 degrees out-of-phase. The tip of the total electric field vector traces a perfect circle.
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3D View of LHCP |
This animation sequence combines the pictures of an advancing right-hand helix and the spinning electric field vector for the LHCP case.
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Right-Hand Circular Polarization |
The x- and y-components of the electric field have the same magnitude and are oscillating 90 degrees out-of-phase (but opposite to the LHCP situation).
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Left-Hand Elliptical Polarization |
The y-component is twice as strong as the x-component. The two components are oscillating 90 degrees out-of-phase. The polarization ellipse is vertically elongated.
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Left-Hand Elliptical Polarization |
The x- and y-components of the electric field have the same magnitude but are oscillating 45 degrees out-of-phase, which makes it elliptically polarized instead of circularly or linear.