Lorentz transformations on Stokes vectors

F. U. Muhammad; Charles S. Brown

doi:10.1117/12.138788

11 December 1992 Lorentz transformations on Stokes vectors

F. U. Muhammad, Charles S. Brown

Proceedings Volume 1746, Polarization Analysis and Measurement; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138788
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The connection between the transformations of the Lorentz group and the Stokes parameter description of polarization phenomena is explored and elucidated. We begin by examining a monochromatic plane electromagnetic wave propagating through a dielectric medium. Using a representation of the Pauli spin matrices, expressions for the Stokes parameters (which are measurable quantities) are constructed from the electric field description of a completely polarized propagating wave. Next, the effect of a uniform birefringence on polarization phenomena is explored by casting the field description in the Stokes-Mueller matrix form. Also, the effect of a uniform dichroism on diattenuation phenomena is similarly explored. Finally, the connection between the Stokes parameter description and Lorentz transformations is elucidated by showing the Mueller matrices associated with birefringence and dichroism are, respectively, the rotations and boosts of the Lorentz group.

Citation Download Citation

F. U. Muhammad and Charles S. Brown "Lorentz transformations on Stokes vectors", Proc. SPIE 1746, Polarization Analysis and Measurement, (11 December 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138788

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