Stokes parameters and polarization contrasts in Young's interference experiment

Abstract

We derive a spectral interference law that governs the behavior of the four Stokes parameters in Young's two-pinhole experiment with a random electromagnetic beam. In addition to the visibility of intensity fringes, we introduce three new contrast parameters that describe the interference-induced changes in the field's state of partial polarization. The polarization modulation depends on the electric field correlations at the pinholes and is closely related to the two-point Stokes parameters. The results are expected to be particularly useful in polarization interferometry and electromagnetic coherence theory. The formalism is demonstrated with specific examples.

Coherence and visibility for vectorial light

“…Then the visibility V͑A͒ can be obtained via the distance in Eq. (23). This is a four-path interferometer since the intensity distribution I͑͒ depends on four independent phase variables.…”

Polarization and coherence for vectorial electromagnetic waves and the ray picture of light propagation

“…[15,16]. This is because the measurement of the point Stokes parameters at the apertures S(r 1,2 ) and at the interference plane s(r) determine the interference term S(R, p) and the different degrees of coherence via the above relations.…”

Separation of Information on Intensity, Absolute Phase and Polarization in Pattern Formation by the Superposition of Slightly Inclined Electromagnetic Beams

“…For a suitable exposition of coherency matrix theory and of the SP see [17]. Despite of long history of this problem, it has again become urgent in last years and has attracted the attention of many researchers (see for example [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]). The Jones vectors of quasi-monochromatic light beam at a fixed point in space and at a certain fixed time can be represented as…”