Sir David Brewster: polarization pioneer

Kinsell L. Coulson

doi:10.1117/12.138828

8 December 1992 Sir David Brewster: polarization pioneer

Kinsell L. Coulson

Proceedings Volume 1747, Polarization and Remote Sensing; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138828
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Sir David Brewster, Scottish physicist of the Nineteenth Century, was one of the pioneers in the investigation of the polarization of light. Every physics student is familiar with the Brewster angle of reflection, and the Brewster neutral point of skylight polarization is a well- known feature in atmospheric optics. He was at one time the most honored natural philosopher in Britain, having received numerous medals plus a knighthood for his work in the polarization of light. This paper, having arisen from my new biography of Brewster, traces his polarization work throughout his most productive period in the first half of the last century. It is of interest to science historians, as well as to those working in the field of polarization phenomena.

Citation Download Citation

Kinsell L. Coulson "Sir David Brewster: polarization pioneer", Proc. SPIE 1747, Polarization and Remote Sensing, (8 December 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138828

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