Polarization Elements-A Group Theoretical Study

Abstract

The Classification of Polarization elements, the polarization affecting optical devices which have a Jones matrix representation, according to the types of eigenvectors they possess, is given a new visit through the Group-theoretical connection of polarization elements. The diattenuators and retarders are recognized as the elements corresponding to boosts and rotations respectively. The structure of homogeneous elements other than diattenuators and retarders are identified by giving the quaternion corresponding to these elements. The set of degenerate polarization elements is identified with the so called `null' elements of the Lorentz Group. Singular polarization elements are examined in their more illustrative Mueller matrix representation and finally the eigenstructure of a special class of singular Mueller matrices is studied.

7 pages, 2 tables, submitted to `Optics Communications'

Cited by in corpus (7)

• An advanced Jones calculus for the classification of periodic metamaterials
• Polarimetric characterization of light and media
• Two-vector representation of a nondepolarizing Mueller matrix
• Higher Order Statistsics of Stokes Parameters in a Random Birefringent Medium
• Lorentz group theory and polarization of the light
• Factorizations for 3-rotations and polarization of the light in Mueller-Stokes an Jones formalisms
• Transitivity in the theory of the Lorentz group and the Stokes -- Mueller formalism in optics