Polarization propagation using characteristic Pauli spin matrices

Atul D. Pradhan

doi:10.1117/12.506358

6 November 2003 Polarization propagation using characteristic Pauli spin matrices

Atul D. Pradhan

Proceedings Volume 5174, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization VI; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506358
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Polarization propagation of a monochromatic plane wave through layered thin film dielectric media is described using an electric and magnetic field component spinor while the transformation of fields at a dielectric interface is effected using the characteristic matrix for each layer. The characteristic matrix is rendered in a representation of the Pauli spin matrices and expressions constructed for the change of polarization field components. The matrix representation describes a pseudo-spinor rotation of the field components the magnitude of which is given by the phase thickness of the stack and the direction of rotation given by a vector expressed in terms of an optical admittance dependent on the index of refraction and angle of incidence. This method provides a useful and simple calculation procedure for polarization propagation phenomena in optical problems along with potential applications to surface characterization.

Citation Download Citation

Atul D. Pradhan "Polarization propagation using characteristic Pauli spin matrices", Proc. SPIE 5174, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization VI, (6 November 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506358

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