Abstract
VIII.
A QUARTZ plate cut parallel to the axis, when examined with convergent light, gives curves in the form of hyperbolas. These curves are wider in proportion to the thinness of the plate, but if the plate be thick enough to render the curves moderately fine, the colour becomes very faint. They may, however, be rendered distinct by using homogeneous light. The dark and light parts exchange positions when the analyser is turned through 90°. Two such plates with their axes at right angles to one another give coloured hyperbolas perfectly visible with the white light. Plates of Iceland spar exhibit similar phenomena, but the lines and curves are far more closely packed.
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SPOTTISWOODE, W. Polarisation of Light * . Nature 9, 507–508 (1874). https://doi.org/10.1038/009507a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/009507a0