Polarization Confusion: Plane of Vibration vs Plane of Polarization

[neelakash]

Can anyone clearly say what is the difference between plane of polarization and plane of vibration?
I know what is the latter.It is the plane containig E and k vectors.But Regarding the first one I am a bit confused:Different literatures treat them differently...Sometimes it appears that they are the same and sometimes it appears that it is perpendicular to the direction of k.That is the plane where the E field appears linear/circular/elliptical.

 

[Claude Bile]

The plane of polarisation is the plane defined by E and k.

I think the confusion here stems from the fact that it is possible to polarisation to vary as a function of position, for example fibre-optic modes are typically radially (E pointing radially outward) and tangentially polarised. In these cases, the plane of polarisation will also vary as a function of position, thus it can be somewhat of a hindrance describing the polarisation of such modes using planes. A better way to show the polarisation of the mode is to plot the polarisation as a function of position, which is why you see plenty of graphs with coordinate planes that are perpendicular to k. I don't agree though that this is the plane where E appears linear/circular/elliptical though - E can only be shown to rotate using a 3D graph or some other parametric space, not in a cartesian plane.

Claude.

 

[astrokreng]

The terms "plane of polarization" and "plane of vibration" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two. The plane of polarization refers to the plane in which the electric field of an electromagnetic wave oscillates, while the plane of vibration refers to the plane in which the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other.

In simpler terms, the plane of polarization is the direction in which the electric field is oscillating, while the plane of vibration is the orientation of the electric and magnetic fields relative to each other.

It is important to note that the plane of polarization can be any orientation, including linear, circular, or elliptical, while the plane of vibration is always perpendicular to the direction of propagation (represented by the k vector).

Different literature may use these terms differently, but ultimately they are describing the same concept - the orientation of the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave. It is important to have a clear understanding of these terms in order to accurately interpret and analyze scientific data and experiments.