Matrix calculus for axially symmetric polarized beam

Opt Express. 2011 Jun 20;19(13):12815-24. doi: 10.1364/OE.19.012815.

Abstract

The Jones calculus is a well known method for analyzing the polarization of a fully polarized beam. It deals with a beam having spatially homogeneous polarization. In recent years, axially symmetric polarized beams, where the polarization is not homogeneous in its cross section, have attracted great interest. In the present article, we show the formula for the rotation of beams and optical elements on the angularly variant term-added Jones calculus, which is required for analyzing axially symmetric beams. In addition, we introduce an extension of the Jones calculus: use of the polar coordinate basis. With this calculus, the representation of some angularly variant beams and optical elements are simplified and become intuitive. We show definitions, examples, and conversion formulas between different notations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Light*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Optics and Photonics / instrumentation
  • Optics and Photonics / methods*
  • Rotation