Oscillation Circular Polarization (IMAGE) Ruhr-University Bochum Caption The polarization describes a light wave's oscillation direction. Linear polarization (red, blue): the vector describing the light wave's electric field oscillates in a fixed plane. Circular polarization can be described by a superposition of two linear perpendicularly polarized light waves. The electric field vector rotates around the propagation direction. If the frequencies of the overlapping fields are different, oscillating circular polarization is the result (black). The circular polarization degree (green) is modulated depending on the frequency difference. T is the cycle duration of this modulation. Credit RUB, Chair of Photonics and Terahertz Technology Usage Restrictions This image may only be used for reporting about the Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum in the context of the press release "Spin lasers facilitate rapid data transfer" published in April 2019. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.