arXiv · 2312.13399
Space Time Reflection Symmetry in the Jones Formalism in Optics
Abstract
We provide a description of the parity space reflection-time reversal (PT) operator acting on the two-dimensional polarization space of light represented by the linear algebra of Jones vectors and matrices. We establish the form of a PT-symmetric Jones matrix. We present two examples of laser resonators whose polarization eigenstates are described by PT-symmetric Jones matrices: one is based on the Faraday effect and a dichroic attenuation, while the other is made of twisted anisotropic mirrors. Both possess a control parameter that experimentally covers the exact, the broken PT-symmetry regions and their boundary, called an exceptional point, where the eigenstates of the resonator coalesce into a single state. The exact PT-symmetric region produces laser polarization modes emitting at the same frequency with different intracavity losses, while the broken PT-symmetric region features polarization modes emitting at distinct frequencies with the same intracavity losses. By applying unitary transformations, the concept of PT-symmetric Jones matrix is extended to matrices that commute with any antiunitary operator, thereby opening the prospect of a larger family of resonators geometries that also feature real or complex-conjugate spectra.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Jean-François Bisson. 2023-12-20. Space Time Reflection Symmetry in the Jones Formalism in Optics. https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.13399
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.