A three-by-three polarization ray-tracing matrix method for polarization ray tracing in optical systems is presented for calculating the polarization transformations associated with ray paths through optical systems. The method is a three-dimensional generalization of the Jones calculus. Reflection and refraction algorithms are provided. Diattenuation of the optical system is calculated via singular value decomposition. Two numerical examples, a three fold-mirror system and a hollow corner cube, demonstrate the method.
You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an Optica member, or as an authorized user of your institution.
You do not have subscription access to this journal. Figure files are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an Optica member, or as an authorized user of your institution.
You do not have subscription access to this journal. Article tables are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an Optica member, or as an authorized user of your institution.
You do not have subscription access to this journal. Equations are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an Optica member, or as an authorized user of your institution.
Polarization Ray-Tracing Matrix for a Horizontal Fast Axis Linear Quarter-Wave Retarder Without Beam Deviation for Three Different Propagation Directions, along Z Axis, Y Axis, and X Axisa
The Jones matrices are specified in a symmetric phase convention where the fast axis polarization state is advanced by one-eighth of a wave and the slow axis is delayed by one-eighth of a wave.
Table 2
Polarization Ray-Tracing Matrices for Each Ray Intercept for a Ray Propagating On-Axis through a Three Fold-Mirror System
q
1
2
3
Table 3
Propagation Vectors, Local Coordinate Basis Vectors, Surface Normal Vectors, and Polarization Ray-Tracing Matrices Associated with a Ray Path Through an Aluminum-Coated Hollow Corner Cube
q
Surface Normal
1
2
3
Table 4
Maximum Intensity of Transmitted Electric Field and Associated Incident Electric Field, the Minimum Intensity of Transmitted Electric Field and Associated Incident Electric Field, and the Diattenuation from the Ray through the Corner Cube System
D Diattenuation
0.774
0.757
0.014
Tables (4)
Table 1
Polarization Ray-Tracing Matrix for a Horizontal Fast Axis Linear Quarter-Wave Retarder Without Beam Deviation for Three Different Propagation Directions, along Z Axis, Y Axis, and X Axisa
The Jones matrices are specified in a symmetric phase convention where the fast axis polarization state is advanced by one-eighth of a wave and the slow axis is delayed by one-eighth of a wave.
Table 2
Polarization Ray-Tracing Matrices for Each Ray Intercept for a Ray Propagating On-Axis through a Three Fold-Mirror System
q
1
2
3
Table 3
Propagation Vectors, Local Coordinate Basis Vectors, Surface Normal Vectors, and Polarization Ray-Tracing Matrices Associated with a Ray Path Through an Aluminum-Coated Hollow Corner Cube
q
Surface Normal
1
2
3
Table 4
Maximum Intensity of Transmitted Electric Field and Associated Incident Electric Field, the Minimum Intensity of Transmitted Electric Field and Associated Incident Electric Field, and the Diattenuation from the Ray through the Corner Cube System