Malus Law Calculator

Calculate Intensity from Malus Law



Formula

The formula to calculate intensity from Malus Law is:

\[ I = I_{\text{max}} \cos^2(\alpha) \]

Where:

What is Malus Law?

Malus Law states that the intensity of polarized light passing through a polarizing filter is proportional to the square of the cosine of the angle between the light's initial polarization direction and the axis of the filter. This principle is used in various optical applications to understand and control the behavior of polarized light.

Example Calculation 1

Let's assume the following values:

Using the formula:

\[ I = 100 \cos^2(45^\circ) = 100 \times 0.5 = 50 \]

The Intensity is 50.

Example Calculation 2

Let's assume the following values:

Using the formula:

\[ I = 150 \cos^2(60^\circ) = 150 \times 0.25 = 37.5 \]

The Intensity is 37.5.