Science
Brewster angle
Estimate the incidence angle at which p-polarized reflection vanishes at a dielectric boundary.
Calculators / Science / Polarizer transmission
Polarizer transmission calculator
Estimate ideal light transmission through a polarizer from the relative polarization angle.
On this page
Transmitted intensity25W/m²
Transmission fraction25%
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Estimate ideal light transmission through a polarizer from the relative polarization angle.
Transmitted intensity =
I*cos(a*pi/180)^2 W/m²Transmission fraction =
cos(a*pi/180)^2*100 %Worked example
- Incident polarized intensity (W/m²): 100
- Polarizer axis angle (degrees): 60
- Transmitted intensity: 25 W/m²
- Transmission fraction: 25 %
Assumptions and limits
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. The incident light is fully linearly polarized; ideal polarizer absorption and alignment are assumed.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Estimate ideal light transmission through a polarizer from the relative polarization angle. For initially unpolarized light, account for the first polarizer separately. The 90-degree ideal result is zero.
When this tool is useful
For initially unpolarized light, account for the first polarizer separately. The 90-degree ideal result is zero.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
Incident polarized intensity (W/m²) I | 100 |
Polarizer axis angle (degrees) a | 60 |
Frequently asked questions
Which assumptions matter for this result?
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. The incident light is fully linearly polarized; ideal polarizer absorption and alignment are assumed.
How can I check the worked example?
Use the displayed example inputs in the stated formula. Keep each quantity in its labelled unit and compare the unrounded result before applying display rounding.