This interactive simulation demonstrates how a plane wave's electric field can be decomposed into two perpendicular components in the x-y plane, resulting in linear, circular, or elliptical polarization depending on:
ψ (Psi): the amplitude ratio, which sets how strong the y-component is relative to x.
δ (Delta): the phase difference between the x- and y-components.
By moving the sliders, you can change these parameters and observe the shape of the polarization ellipse in 2D, or view the wave in a pseudo-3D representation (toggle "3D Mode" below). Special settings like (ψ = 45°, δ = ±90°) create circular polarization, while (δ = 0°, any ψ) create linear polarization. Most other combinations produce elliptical polarization.