Stokes parameters and polarization contrasts in Young's interference experiment
Optics Letters, Vol. 31, Issue 14, pp. 2208-2210 (2006)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OL.31.002208
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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.
© 2006 Optical Society of America
OCIS Codes
(030.1640) Coherence and statistical optics : Coherence
(260.2110) Physical optics : Electromagnetic optics
(260.3160) Physical optics : Interference
(260.5430) Physical optics : Polarization
ToC Category:
Physical Optics
History
Original Manuscript: April 12, 2006
Manuscript Accepted: May 12, 2006
Citation
Tero Setälä, Jani Tervo, and Ari T. Friberg, "Stokes parameters and polarization contrasts in Young's interference experiment," Opt. Lett. 31, 2208-2210 (2006)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ol/abstract.cfm?URI=ol-31-14-2208
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