Spin polarization separation of light reflected at Brewster angle
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Experimental Methods for Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Combined with Polarization-Variable Laser
Published on: June 28, 2018
1Department of Applied Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China.
Abstract:
A spin polarization separation of reflected light is observed, when a linearly polarized Gaussian beam impinges on an air-glass interface at Brewster angle. In the far-field zone, spins of photons are oppositely polarized in two regions along the direction perpendicular to incident plane. Spatial scale of this polarization is related to optical properties of dielectric and can be controlled by experimental configuration. We believe that this study benefits the manipulation of spins of photons and the development of methods for investigating optical properties of materials.
Related Concept Videos
Properties of Enantiomers and Optical Activity
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Beer–Lambert Law

