Graphical representation of non-absorbing polarization devices

OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS

卷:183

Article

Fernández-Pousa, CR ; Moreno, I ; Bennis, N ; Gómez-Reino, C ; Ferreira, C

关键词: polarization;    anisotropic media (crystal optics);    birefringence;    liquid-crystal devices;    polarization-sensitive devices;    spatial light modulators;   

DOI  :  10.1016/S0030-4018(00)00900-7

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

A graphical representation of general non-absorbing polarization devices operating under normal plane-wave incidence is presented. The representation is based on a four-dimensional spherical parametrization of the Jones matrix of this kind of polarization devices. The graphical representation takes the form of a solid cylinder. The projection of the point representing the device over the base of the cylinder gives the corresponding polarization eigenvectors represented in the complex plane, while the height of the point in the cylinder is the phase of its eigenvalue. Some simple examples like wave-plates and rotators are discussed. The representation may represent a useful tool to identify the operation regimes of polarization modifying elements, for instance electro-optic devices. In this sense, the representation is also applied to the case of a twisted nematic liquid crystal display. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free