circularly-polarized light

A specific type of elliptically polarized light where the X and Y components (eigenpolarizations) are of equal magnitude and out of phase by a quarter wavelength. It can be either left- or right-handed.

See also: polarized light, elliptically-polarized light, quarter-wave plate

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Introduction to Polarized Light

Discussion of birefringence, Brewster's angle, and various forms of polarized light.