The Diamond Hunter's Dilemma · AI Generator #GEN-E27383B1
Physics · optics
Problem
A gemologist is examining a suspicious diamond using polarized light. She places the diamond between two polarizing filters and shines unpolarized light of intensity I0=100W/m2 through the system. The first polarizer has its transmission axis oriented vertically. The diamond is cut so that its optical axis makes an angle of 30° with the vertical. The second polarizer has its transmission axis oriented at 60° from the vertical. If the diamond is genuine, it will rotate the polarization of light by 45° due to its crystal structure. If it's fake (ordinary glass), it will not rotate the polarization at all. The gemologist measures the final transmitted intensity to be If=6.25W/m2. Is the diamond genuine or fake?