Polarization of light creates art, explains mathematical concepts
Stochastic stress-induced birefringence in plastic spoons left in the hot sun was visualized via polarization-filtered staining. The ladle is placed between a pair of parallel polarizer sheets in an open-gate arrangement, with a parchment paper backing to act as a diffuser for sunlight illumination. Credit: Aaron Slepkov, University of Trent
Light polarization supports the latest technological innovations, including 3D cinema and LCD. In LCDs, small, electronically controllable liquid crystal elements are sandwiched between the polarizers. If, on the other hand, other transparent polarization-altering films—such as plastic gift wrap and wrapping tape—are placed between a set of polarizers, a polarizing filtered color array can be observed.
In American Journal of PhysicsAaron Slepkov, of Trent University in Canada, explores the physics of how these colors appear, how they can be controlled, and why subtle changes in viewing angles, sample orientations, and the order of film layers between polarizers can have dramatic effects on the observed colors.
This study emphasizes visual examples of concepts related to birefringence, such as addition, subtraction, and sequence of operations. For example, the noncommutative property of a birefringent addition is usually illustrated using formal matrix mathematics. But in this case the researcher uses color visualization.
“I use the visual language of coloring to describe subtle physics that is often only shown mathematically,” says Slepkov.
He was inspired, in part, by the work of artist Austine Wood Comarow, whose career has been in applying polarizing coloring techniques in fine art. Austine coined the term “polage,” or polarizing collage, to refer to his art.
Austine creates a variety of works using advanced coatings of cut cellophane and other birefringent polymer films, interspersed with layers of film polarizers. His work ranges from small stand-alone works that fit on shelves to large installations spanning careers at institutions, such as the Disney Epcot Center in 1981 and the Gyeongsangnam-do Institute of Science Education, in Jinju, South Korea, in 2017.
“In this work, I clarify the relationship between polarization filtering and observed color. I show how various aspects of birefringence in ordinary household films present both opportunities and challenges for their use in art,” says Slepkov.
To create a polarized filtered color, all that is needed is a birefringent sample sandwiched between the polarizations forming a polarizing gate. Many household items can provide a kaleidoscopic array of colors and patterns.
Transparent plastic cutlery, for example, provides a classic demonstration, in which local strain in the polymer structure produces a differential birefringence, which can be observed via polarizing gates. Likewise, randomly folded kitchen wraps, gift basket film, and layered adhesive tape can form intricate images reminiscent of stained glass windows.
“Manipulation of birefringent films for the purpose of creating color images is fun and intellectually stimulating. Most of the nuances of physics from polarization, birefringence, retardance, and color theory can be observed in this accessible yet expansive endeavor,” says Slepkov.
Highest purity level achieved for polarized X-ray
Aaron D. Slepkov, Painting in polarization, American Journal of Physics (2022). DOI: 10.1119/5.0087800
Provided by the American Institute of Physics
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