This comprehensive introduction to polarized light provides students and researchers with the background and the specialized knowledge needed to fully utilize polarized light. It provides a basic introduction to the interaction of light with matter for those unfamiliar with photochemistry and photophysics. An in-depth discussion of polarizing optics is also given. Different analytical techniques are introduced and compared and introductions to the use of polarized light in various forms of spectroscopy are provided. – Starts at a basic level and develops tools for research problems- Discusses practical devices for controlling polarized light- Compares the Jones, Mueller, and Poincare sphere methods of analysis