Malus Law Experiment

Experimental Setup:

1. Light Source: A laser or LED that emits unpolarized light.
2. Polarizer: A polarizing filter that converts unpolarized light into linearly polarized light.
3. Analyzer (Second Polarizer): Rotates to change the angle $\theta$.
4. Light Detector (Photodiode or Lux Meter): Measures the transmitted light intensity.
5. Protractor/Angular Scale: Used to measure the angle between the polarizer and analyzer.

Procedure:

1. Align the polarizer and analyzer so they have the same transmission axis (θ=0∘\theta = 0^\circθ=0∘). Record the intensity I0I_0I0​.
2. Rotate the analyzer in small increments (e.g., 10° each step) and record the intensity $I$ at each angle.
3. Plot a graph of $I$ vs. cos⁡2θ\cos^2 \thetacos2θ. The data should form a straight line, verifying Malus’ Law.

Applications of Malus’ Law Experiment:

• Understanding Light Polarization: Demonstrates how light waves interact with polarizing materials.
• Optical Devices & LCD Screens: Used in sunglasses, LCD displays, and optical filters.
• Stress Analysis in Transparent Materials: Polarized light helps visualize internal stresses.
• Quantum Mechanics: Explores the behavior of photons in quantum optics experiments.