birefrinscience
Two polarizers and a bit of plastic are enough to create an impressive optical illusion, linked to the phenomenon of birefringence. Here, we will show you how to achieve these illusions in practice, but also the physics involved.
birefringence explained
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An article about the physics involved
Painting in polarization
Slepkov, A. D. (2022). Painting in polarization. American Journal of Physics, 90(8), 617-624.
This work was carried out by Eliott Pananceau, accompanied on the scientific side by Julien Bobroff and Frédéric Bouquet, in “La Physique Autrement” team (Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS).
It benefited from the support of Quantum-Saclay, the “Physique autrement” Chair of the Paris-Saclay Foundation supported by the Air Liquide group and Crédit Agricole – CIB. It was carried out in the premises and with the technical resources of the Educational Experimentation Center of the Villebon – Georges Charpak Institute.
Authors:
Eliott Pananceau
