"Polarized light plays a vital role in physics today. This concise and readable study presents a wide variety of new and dramatic applications in clear, nonmathematical language. The contents include a description of the four principal types of polarizers and the use of retarders, along with an explanation of the great advances that have been made in dealing mathematically with polarized light. Eight methods of producing polarized light directly are indicated. Containing much new information from a rapidly expanding field, this book will be of interest to many practicing physicists, as well as to students and interested laymen."--Back cover.