Abstract

In the last decade we have elaborated a mathematical tool for the description of the interaction of polarized light with polarization devices, alternative to the standard matrix (Jones and Mueller) formalisms, namely a vectorial pure operatorial Pauli algebraic one. After a brief, coherent survey of this formalism, we present some applicative results obtained in this frame, referring to the gain and the modification of the state of polarization at the interaction of the polarized light with deterministic devices. Due to an adequate parameterization of the problem, specific to this method, symmetric expressions of the gain and of the generalized Malus’ law are obtained. On the other hand, the equation of the ellipsoid in which a Poincaré sphere of a given degree of polarization is mapped by such a device can be established.

©2012 Optical Society of America

Ellipsoid of the polarization degree: a vectorial, pure operatorial Pauli algebraic approach

Tiberiu Tudor and Vladimir Manea
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 28(4) 596-601 (2011)

Pauli algebraic analysis of polarized light modulation

Tiberiu Tudor
Appl. Opt. 47(14) 2721-2728 (2008)

Pauli algebraic forms of normal and nonnormal operators

Tiberiu Tudor and Aurelian Gheondea
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 24(1) 204-210 (2007)

Dirac-algebraic approach to the theory of device operators in polarization optics

Tiberiu Tudor
J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 20(4) 728-732 (2003)

Pauli-Algebraic Operators in Polarization Optics*

Cynthia Whitney
J. Opt. Soc. Am. 61(9) 1207-1213 (1971)