depolarization of light

1 definition found

depolarization of light - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Depolarization \De*po`lar*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F.
     d['e]polarisation.]
     The act of depriving of polarity, or the result of such
     action; reduction to an unpolarized condition.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Depolarization of light (Opt.), a change in the plane of
        polarization of rays, especially by a crystalline medium,
        such that the light which had been extinguished by the
        analyzer reappears as if the polarization had been
        anulled. The word is inappropriate, as the ray does not
        return to the unpolarized condition.
        [1913 Webster]