For Researchers · Polarization
Polarization for a photonic crystal
Built for researchers prototyping or validating an idea. Prototype fast, reproduce exactly, and share a citable, interactive version of your model. Simulate a photonic crystal live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Polarization (Malus's Law)Live
filtering light waves
Controls
Presets
A polarizer only passes the light-wave component aligned with its axis. Malus's law says the transmitted intensity is I₀·cos²θ, where θ is the angle between successive filters. Two crossed polarizers block everything — but slip a third at 45° between them and light reappears, a striking quantum-like result of projection.
Data Inspector
Final intensity12.5%
Polarizers3
Crossed?no
Governing equation
Reading this result: Each filter projects the beam onto its axis, multiplying intensity by cos² of the step angle; after this chain about 13% remains.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for researchers?
- Yes — this version of "Polarization for a photonic crystal" is framed for researchers prototyping or validating an idea. Prototype fast, reproduce exactly, and share a citable, interactive version of your model.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.