Polarization Light can be represented as a transverse electromagnetic wave made up of mutually perpendicular t fluctuating electric and magnetic fields Ordinary white light is made up of waves that fluctuate at all possible angles. Light is considered to be linearly polarized"when it contains waves that only fluctuate in one specific plan( Polarizers are shown) In-phase=> 45 degrees linearly polarized 90 degree out of phase->circular Chart: 7 February 13, 2001 16.684 Space Systems Product Development MIT Space Systems LaboratoryPolarization Light can be represented as a transverse electromagnetic wave made up of mutually perpendicular, fluctuating electric and magnetic fields. Ordinary white light is made up of waves that fluctuate at all possible angles. Light is considered to be "linearly polarized" when it contains waves that only fluctuate in one specific plan (Polarizers are shown) In-phase=> 45 degrees linearly polarized 90 degree out of phase->circular Chart: 7 16.684 Space Systems Product Development MIT Space Systems Laboratory February 13, 2001