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Dichroism: Understanding the Phenomenon

Wavelength-dependent Transmission

Dichroism can refer to optical elements that interact with light based on its wavelength, leading to a wavelength-dependent transmissivity. This is commonly seen in dielectric mirrors known as dichroic mirrors.

Polarization- and Wavelength-dependent Absorption

Another aspect of dichroism involves the polarization-dependent absorption of materials. Certain crystal materials exhibit different colors depending on the polarization of light due to the dependence of optical absorption on both polarization and wavelength. This phenomenon is not limited to just two colors but can result in a range of color mixtures.

Trichroism

Trichroism is observed in biaxial crystals, where the observed colors are mixtures of three different colors instead of two.

Linear and Circular Dichroism

While dichroism is typically associated with linear polarization, circular dichroism involves differences in optical properties for different circular polarization directions.

Conclusion

Dichroism encompasses various phenomena related to the interaction of light with materials, including wavelength-dependent transmission and polarization-dependent absorption. Understanding these principles is crucial in various optical applications.

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