polarization

, polarisation Physics the process or phenomenon in which the waves of light or other electromagnetic radiation are restricted to certain directions of vibration, usually specified in terms of the electric field vector

polarization

(poh-lă-ri-zay -shŏn) The degree to which the orientation of the electric or magnetic vector in electromagnetic radiation is predictable over time. In a partially polarized wave, the vector thus shows a less random orientation in the plane perpendicular to the direction of wave motion than occurs in an unpolarized (normal) wave. Waves in which the electric vectors are entirely vertical or horizontal with respect to the direction of motion are described as vertically or horizontally plane (or linearly) polarized. In general, both polarizations are present with a relative phase difference and the wave is then elliptically polarized in the right-handed or left-handed sense accordingly as the resultant vector rotates clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed along the direction of motion of the wave; in the case where the resultant vector rotates and its magnitude remains constant, the wave is circularly polarized.

Polarization is a measure of the way in which light or other electromagnetic radiation from a celestial body is affected by factors such as scattering due to cosmic dust or strong stellar or interstellar magnetic fields, or reflection from a surface. Radio emissions from celestial sources are usually partially polarized, i.e. the waves can be considered to be composed of a completely unpolarized component plus a small polarized component. Synchrotron emission, however, may be strongly polarized. The general situation is described by the four Stokes parameters (I, Q, U, and V ), which are defined in such a manner that specifying their four values uniquely describes the state of polarization: I is a measure of the total power in the wave, Q and U define the degree of linear polarization, and V that of circular polarization. All four have dimensions of flux density. See also Faraday rotation; interstellar polarization.

polarization

[‚pō·lə·rə′zā·shən] (electricity) The process of producing a relative displacement of positive and negative bound charges in a body by applying an electric field. A vector quantity equal to the electric dipole moment per unit volume of a material. Also known as dielectric polarization; electric polarization. A chemical change occurring in dry cells during use, increasing the internal resistance of the cell and shortening its useful life. (physics) Phenomenon exhibited by certain electromagnetic waves and other transverse waves in which the direction of the electric field or the displacement direction of the vibrations is constant or varies in some definite way. Also known as wave polarization. The direction of the electric field or the displacement vector of a wave exhibiting polarization (first definition). The process of bringing about polarization (first definition) in a transverse wave. Property of a collection of particles with spin, in which the majority have spin components pointing in one direction, rather than at random.

polarization

[po″lar-ĭ-za´shun] 1. the presence or absence of polarity.2. the production of that condition in light in which its vibrations are parallel to each other in one plane or in circles and ellipses.3. the separation of electric charge so that there is directionality of flow, as in a body, cell, atom, or molecule.

po·lar·i·za·tion

(pō'lăr-i-zā'shŭn), 1. In electricity, coating of an electrode with a thick layer of hydrogen bubbles, with the result that the flow of current is weakened or arrested. 2. A change effected in a ray of light passing through certain media, whereby the transverse vibrations occur in one plane only, instead of in all planes as in an ordinary light ray. 3. Development of differences in potential between two points in living tissues, as between the inside and outside of a cell wall.

polarization

Cardiac pacing The condition of an electrode in which its electrical potential differs from an equilibrium potential–ie, no current flow

po·lar·i·za·tion

(pō'lăr-ī-zā'shŭn) 1. electricity Coating of an electrode with a thick layer of hydrogen bubbles, with the result that the flow of current is weakened or arrested. 2. A change effected in a ray of light passing through certain media, whereby the transverse vibrations occur in one plane only, instead of in all planes as in an ordinary light ray. 3. Development of differences in potential between two points in living tissues, as between the inside and outside of a cell wall.

polarization

the act of changing an ordinary light beam consisting of billions of wavetrains each vibrating in a different direction, to a beam in which only those wavetrains vibrating in a particular plane are allowed to continue in the beam which is then less bright.

Light from the sun is scattered by molecules in the upper atmosphere in such a way as to result in light arriving at the earth's surface being partially polarized. The extent of polarization at any point depends on the position of the sun, so there is a pattern of polarization of the sky for any particular position of the sun. Bees, and probably many other arthropods, are capable of navigating by this pattern when the sun is obscured, so long as some blue sky can be seen (see NAVIGATION). Polarization can be brought about by naturally occurring crystals such as calcite, or by Polaroid sheets.

Patient discussion about polarization

Q. Can bi-polar be treated with acupuncture and Chinese medicine? Any help would be appreciated. I am a bipolar. I always get side effects from the meds being prescribed by my psychiatrist. I feel better one day but the very next day I feel moody and have outbursts even on meds as if I am not after them. I wish to follow a different system of treatment. Can bi-polar be treated with acupuncture and Chinese medicine? Any help would be appreciated.A. Do a lot of research before coming off your meds. You should consult your doctor about how to come off your meds safely. First arm yourself with information about what the effective treatments are and how to get those treatments.

Q. My brother-in-law named Jacob has bi-polar schizophrenia; please help us by giving some solution for this… My brother-in-law named Jacob has bi-polar schizophrenia; he is currently on his medication and takes them faithfully in a positive mood. We have a hard time communicating with each other and it's destroying our marriage, please help us by giving some solution for this…

Q. Is spending money irresponsibely a sign of impending manic attack? My 32 years-old husband is known to have bi-polar disorder, but for the last ten years he has been on lithium treatment and had no attacks. Last week he bought some very expensive things to our home, without asking me (we usually discuss these things before we do anything).Does this mean he’s getting a new manic attack? Other than that purchase everything else is normal, and he appears and behaves as usual. I don’t want to take him for the psychiatrist just for spending some money.A. Spending money is not a unique character of bi-polar people... Maybe it was a bit less calculated action. If he has manic attack, usually there'll be more things that would tell you about it.

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Synonyms for polarization

noun the phenomenon in which waves of light or other radiation are restricted in direction of vibration

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noun the condition of having or giving polarity

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