ABSTRACT

This chapter reviews basics of light as electromagnetic waves or photons. Polarization of light occurs when the electric field vibrates in one direction. The dual nature of light is often a source of confusion, but experiments confirming both interpretations exist. Light is indeed transmitted for any angle in-between 0° and 90°. In reality, polarizers will reflect and absorb light due to material imperfections so transmitted light is typically no greater than 90–95% of the theoretical limit. A chromophore is a chemical molecule or group responsible for giving color to a substance through absorption of certain wavelengths of light. A single chromophore may absorb and emit light multiple times. It is possible for the chromophore to lose the extra energy via a non-radiative process, one not involving the emission of light. Scattering is an interaction between light and matter in which the light is not completely absorbed.