To build a polarizer(a device that can obtain linearly polarized light from natural light) requires the use

of a Method for separating two light beams.

Generally, the polarizable prisms were build containing birefringent crystals combined with other
materials to obtain the desired effect.

Such prisms are known as their inventors: Nicol, Rochon, Wollaston, Glan, Thomson, Foucault etc.

A very imporant property, the property of diocrism of some birefringent crystals such as tourmaline

A dichroic crystal has a preferential behaivor towards the two polarizable components

,it can either absorb one more than the other so that if the layer is too thick one component can be
completely absorbed while the other stays almost unaffected.

The dichroic crystals were used for making polarizing materials called polaroids.

Modern polaroid films have the same fabrication principle: the introduction of some

long molecular chains, aligned and parallel into a flexible film of plastic material.

Regardless the methods of obtaining, essentially the Polaroid transmits only those

components whose wave trains oscillate in a direction parallel to the favored direction while absorbing
those traveling in the perpendicular direction.