A uniaxial crystal is cut with the c-axis parallel to the surface, as shown in Figure 3.22, with n_e = 1.7 and n_o = 1.77. For light incident normal to the surface, determine the polarizations of the two propagating waves and the index of refraction felt by each. At what angle does each of the outgoing rays propagate?

This geometry is the standard configuration for a phase retarderplate. By selecting the proper thickness l, one polarization can be delayed relative to the other by a fixed phase.

Fig. 3.22 C a