Direct determination of the generalized Stokes parameters from the usual Stokes parameters

Abstract

We report an experimental method to determine the generalized Stokes parameters for a pair of points in the cross section of an electromagnetic beam, e.g., an expanded laser beam, with the help of a Young's interferometer and a set of polarizers and quarter-wave plates. The method is investigated theoretically using the electromagnetic spectral interference law. The generalized Stokes parameters, owing to their two-point nature, determine the behavior of the single-point polarization properties of the electromagnetic beam at a field point. The present method offers a unique means to determine the two-point parameters (correlation functions) by measuring the usual Stokes parameters (intensities) and the contrast parameters (visibilities) of the beam. The method might be applicable to determine the polarization dependent changes in various optical measurements.

Experimental verification of the electromagnetic spectral interference law using a modified version of the Young's interferometer

“…This study not only provides experimental verification to the electromagnetic spectral interference law but also confirms the role of generalized Stokes parameters as modulation parameters for the usual Stokes parameters. Moreover, the present results provide validation to the previous methods for determining the generalized Stokes parameters [8,14]. The knowledge of the polarization properties (usual Stokes parameters) and the coherence properties (generalized Stokes parameters) at some points may provide information about the following points on propagation and vice versa.…”

“…Taking an analogy with the scalar coherence theory, the Stokes parameters based on the newly developed unified theory of coherence and polarization, called the generalized Stokes parameters, were proposed [5,6]. Concurrently, several experimental methods were put forward to determine the generalized Stokes parameters [7,8]. These complex quantities differ from the usual Stokes parameters in a way that rather than being one spatial point quantity (usual), the generalized Stokes parameters depend on two spatial points.…”

Polarization Properties of Quasi-Homogeneous Beams Propagating in Oceanic Turbulence

“…They contain not only polarization properties but also coherence properties of beams [21] and can be measured by Young's interference experiment [22][23]. The changes of generalized Stokes parameters in optical system or random media are also interesting problems and have received a lot of attention [24][25].…”

Polarization measurement through combination polarizers

“…Stokes parameter measurement is the most used way to measure the polarization state [1][2][3][4] . It need rotate optical axis of polarizer and 1/4 wave plate several times, respectively, and then calculate the Stokes parameters by the intensity of transmission light.…”