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arXiv · physics/9707016

Stokes Parameters as a Minkowskian Four-vector

D. Han·Y. S. Kim·Marilyn E. Noz
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Abstract

It is noted that the Jones-matrix formalism for polarization optics is a six-parameter two-by-two representation of the Lorentz group. It is shown that the four independent Stokes parameters form a Minkowskian four-vector, just like the energy-momentum four-vector in special relativity. The optical filters are represented by four-by-four Lorentz-transformation matrices. This four-by-four formalism can deal with partial coherence described by the Stokes parameters. A four-by-four matrix formulation is given for decoherence effects on the Stokes parameters, and a possible experiment is proposed. It is shown also that this Lorentz-group formalism leads to optical filters with a symmetry property corresponding to that of two-dimensional Euclidean transformations.

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D. Han, Y. S. Kim, Marilyn E. Noz. 1997-07-20. Stokes Parameters as a Minkowskian Four-vector. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.56.6065

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