Malus's Law Calculator

Calculate the transmitted intensity of polarized light through a polarizer from the incident intensity and the angle

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Malus's law calculate?

It gives the intensity of polarized light after passing through a polarizer, equal to the incident intensity times the square of the cosine of the angle.

How much light passes at 45 degrees?

At a 45 degree angle exactly half the polarized light is transmitted, because the cosine squared of 45 degrees is one half.

Why is the cosine squared instead of just cosine?

The field that survives scales with the cosine, and intensity scales with the square of the field, so the transmitted intensity follows cosine squared.

Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.