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A type of polarization where the electric field of light consists of two linear components that are perpendicular to each other, oscillating out of phase, resulting in a spiral-like pattern.

A property of certain transparent materials that exhibit temporary double refraction and therefore polarization effects when under mechanical stress.

A type of polarization where the electric field of light oscillates in a single direction or plane.

A form of birefringence where a material displays two different colors when viewed with polarized light from two different directions.

A difference in the refractive indices of a material in different polarization states, leading to the splitting of a light wave into two waves with perpendicular polarization states.

A general form of polarization in which the electric field of the light describes an ellipse in any orientation in a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

A process wherein light becomes polarized upon scattering. This often occurs in Earth's atmosphere where sunlight scatters off molecules in the air.

A property of waves that can oscillate with more than one orientation, polarization describes the orientation of the oscillations perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel.

The angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly transmitted through a transparent dielectric surface, with none of it being reflected. For non-magnetic materials, Brewster's angle $\theta_B$ can be calculated using the formula $\tan(\theta_B) = \frac{n_2}{n_1}$, where $n_1$ and $n_2$ are the refractive indices of the incident and transmission mediums, respectively.

Occurs when light reflects off a surface and becomes polarized, typically with the electric field parallel to the reflecting surface being reduced or eliminated.

A phenomenon that occurs when two polarizing filters are oriented perpendicular to each other, resulting in the blockage of most of the light passing through them.