Unified formalism for polarization optics: further developments

Charles S. Brown; F.U. Muhammad

doi:10.1117/12.186682

14 September 1994 Unified formalism for polarization optics: further developments

Charles S. Brown, F.U. Muhammad

Proceedings Volume 2265, Polarization Analysis and Measurement II; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.186682
Event: SPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

We report further developments of the unified formalism for polarization optics. The unified formalism for polarization optics was designed to use the Stokes-Mueller matrix equation and the Lorentz group to provide a conceptual framework and a systematic method to model and to understand complicated polarization phenomena in optical media (like optical fibers systems, devices, and networks). To address polarization issues for complicated systems, we introduce several new Mueller matrixes. First, both the deterministic and the stochastic Mueller matrix for arbitrary but uniform dichroism and birefringence are given. Next, the Mueller matrixes for optical media with successive (series) and/or simultaneous (parallel) dichroism and birefringence along the optical path are given. Also, we report a comparison of measured Mueller matrix data with a theoretical model of a short (approximately 1 meter) optical fiber (with low internal linear birefringence) under the influence of a constant external twist. The agreement between measurement and theory are excellent. Finally, we argue that more complicated optical fiber systems and configurations with more than one source of dichroism and birefringence can be modelled or approximated by using combinations of the appropriate arbitrary (deterministic and/or stochastic), series, and/or parallel Mueller matrixes given above.

Citation Download Citation

Charles S. Brown and F.U. Muhammad "Unified formalism for polarization optics: further developments", Proc. SPIE 2265, Polarization Analysis and Measurement II, (14 September 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.186682

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