Optical Mueller matrices in terms of geometric algebra

Connection between optical Mueller matrices and geometrical (Clifford) algebra multivectors is established. It is shown that starting from 3-dimensional (3D) Cl_3,0 algebra and using isomorphism between Cl_3,0 and even Cl_3,1⁺ subalgebra one can generate canonical Mueller matrices and their combinations that describe an optical system. It appears that representation of polarization devices in terms of geometric algebra is very compact and, in contrast to Mueller matrix approach, there is no need for speculative physical restrictions. If needed, properties of media can be logically introduced into Maxwell equation in a form of Clifford algebra via constitutive relations. Since representation of polarization by Cl_3,1 algebra is Lorentz invariant it allows to include relativistic effects of moving bodies on light polarization as well. In this paper only simple examples of connection between Mueller matrices and geometric algebra multivectors is presented.     

Dealing depolarization of light in Mueller matrices with scalar metrics

A number of depolarization metrics is applied to a series of reported Mueller matrices. It is shown the depolarization scalar metric Q(M) provides consistent results with the reported scalar metrics like the depolarization index and the degree of polarization. It is shown Q(M) provides additional information about the internal nature of the Mueller matrices, specifically when the upper limit, 3, is reached. It is also shown the depolarization index and the Q(M) metric are only necessary but not sufficient conditions for the physical realizability of Mueller matrices. Finally, Q(M) is proven to be consistent in all cases studied here.     

Transformation matrices for the Mueller-Jones formalism

The Mueller-Jones (MJ) or pure Mueller matrix formulation has been reported by using two different matrix transformations in a condensed representation. The possibility to find other transformation matrices is explored. A complete set of unitary operators (R) is found to be closely related with the MJ matrices and with the evolution of pure states on the Poincaré sphere surface. We propose an alternative deduction for the condensed representation of the MJ matrices, obtained by using the Kronecker product operation and use of R unitary matrices as a tool to combine different Mueller matrices and changes of polarized states on the Poincarè sphere surface. Finally, it is shown explicitly that the columns of the transformation matrices are the eigenvectors of the MJ matrix associated to a non-depolarizing optical system and a corollary is established as a criterion to differentiate a Mueller matrix from an MJ matrix.     

Product decompositions of depolarizing Mueller matrices with negative determinants

We show that the product decomposition of a depolarizing Mueller matrix (S.-Y. Lu, R.A. Chipman, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 13 (1996) 1106) as well as the recently proposed reverse decomposition (R. Ossikovski, A. De Martino, Opt. Lett. 32 (2007) 689) need to be extended in order to account for Mueller matrices with negative determinants. The necessity of such an extension of the formalism is illustrated on experimentally determined Mueller matrices. The procedure of the modified decomposition formalism is explicitly described.     

Relations betweenGL p,q (2)'s

Quantum groups have some peculiar properties is two dimensions. We formulate conditions sufficient for the product of two quantum matrices (with not necessarily the same values of deformation parameters) to be a quantum matrix again. This is then used to study the powers and exponential form of matrices fromGL _p,q (2), generalising this way properties ofGL _q (2)-matrices.     

基于穆勒矩阵的模拟溢油样品荧光偏振特性研究

为了对模拟溢油样品在不同偏振态激发下诱导荧光的偏振特性进行研究,借鉴了穆勒矩阵椭偏仪的原理和结构,搭建了基于旋转波片原理的模拟溢油样品激光诱导荧光椭偏实验装置。通过特征值校准方法对该装置进行校准,获得了宽波段下偏振状态调制矩阵W(λ)和偏振状态分析矩阵A(λ)的确切调制状态,并基于荧光光谱强度矩阵Flu(λ)分别建立了轻、中、重质原油样品和柴油样品的荧光穆勒矩阵。通过极化分解方法对荧光穆勒矩阵进行分解后发现,不同样品荧光光谱的退偏振性质差异十分显著。柴油样品荧光穆勒矩阵的退偏振系数Δ(λ)没有明显的波长响应性,在荧光光谱范围内始终保持较高的退偏值,而三种原油样品的退偏系数Δ(λ)则随波长增大逐渐上升,其中,中质原油样品退偏系数随波长的变化幅度小于重质样品,超过轻质样品;就不同样品的退偏值来看,轻质原油样品最高,重质样品最低,中质原油样品介于二者之间,柴油样品的荧光退偏值略低于轻质原油样品,介于轻质和中质原油样品之间。将基于荧光穆勒矩阵极化分解后的结果与线偏振激发下样品荧光光谱的正交偏振实验结果进行对比,发现两种实验方法获得的退偏系数具有较高的吻合程度。实验还发现,四种模拟溢油样品荧光穆勒矩阵所包含的双向衰减和相位延迟性质都很微弱,不具有明显的差异。     

Vector parameterization of the Lorentz group transformations and polar decomposition of Mueller matrices

It is shown that the representation of the coherence matrix (the polarization density matrix) of beams of electromagnetic waves as a biquaternion corresponding to the four-vector of a pseudo-Euclidean space whose components are the intensity and the Stokes parameters provides a possibility of introducing the group transformations of these quantities isomorphic to SO(3.1) group. These transformations are a subset of the set of Mueller polarization matrices which, generally speaking, form a semigroup. The reduction of the semigroup of Mueller matrices to the group of transformations opens the possibility to use the vector parameterization of SO(3.1) group for interpretation of the polar decomposition of Mueller matrices. In particular, in this approach, the elements of the Mueller matrices corresponding to phase elements and polarizers turn out to be most simply and naturally related to their eigenpolarizations.     

Polarimetric characterization of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for bone substitute biomaterials

In this work the UHMWPE is characterized for their optical properties with Mueller matrix polarimeter. The transmittance birefringence, retardance, polarizance, linear and circular polarization and absorbance of polarized light at different wavelengths ranging 400-800 nm are measured. The presented Mueller matrix elements along with depth resolve polarization decrease in intensity with the change in the wavelength. Linear retardance increases compared to circular through highly scattering polyethylene. High refractive index and low mean free path; and close bonding of particles of material rotates the incoming photons and circular polarization which is dominant as compared to the linear one. Therefore the average intensity increases with both the optical depth and the scattered concentration in UHMWPE, which would accordingly decrease the apparent degree of polarization.The extracted results in terms of linear and circular retardances prove that UHMWPE is compatible, strong, and compact. This research work provides an optical characterization technique for bone substitute biomaterial in the health care industry.     

Characteristic properties of the conical Mueller matrix

We present results of mathematical relations existing between the Mueller matrix obtained for an in-plane of incidence scattering geometry (plane Mueller matrix, PMM) and the Mueller matrix obtained for an out-the-plane of incidence scattering geometry (conical Mueller matrix, CMM), for light scattered from a rough surface. We obtain a similarity relation between the CMM and the PMM for one- (1-D) and for two-dimensional (2-D) surfaces. This similarity relation implies that the PMM and the CMM have the same determinant, trace and eigenvalues for 1-D and 2-D surfaces, respectively. We can say that measurements made in the conical geometry are “Similarity Equivalent” to those in the in-plane geometry for both kind of surfaces, respectively.     

Polarization state and Mueller matrix measurements in terahertz-time domain spectroscopy

We derive the complete formulae governing the polarization state measurement in terahertz-time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) by using a rotatable THz polarizer. Four Stokes parameters can be uniquely obtained by spectrally-resolved measurement in THz-TDS. Further, we propose a new approach to measure the Mueller matrix of a pure birefringent material, using THz-TDS, by rotating the material under test. Based on the above techniques, we successfully measured the Mueller matrices of a quartz crystal in the frequency domain.     

An algorithmic approach to solving polynomial equations associated with quantum circuits

In this paper we present two algorithms for reducing systems of multivariate polynomial equations over the finite field F ₂ to the canonical triangular form called lexicographical Gröbner basis. This triangular form is the most appropriate for finding solutions of the system. On the other hand, the system of polynomials over F ₂ whose variables also take values in F ₂ (Boolean polynomials) completely describes the unitary matrix generated by a quantum circuit. In particular, the matrix itself can be computed by counting the number of solutions (roots) of the associated polynomial system. Thereby, efficient construction of the lexicographical Gröbner bases over F ₂ associated with quantum circuits gives a method for computing their circuit matrices that is alternative to the direct numerical method based on linear algebra. We compare our implementation of both algorithms with some other software packages available for computing Gröbner bases over F ₂.     

The ultimate in real-time ellipsometry: Multichannel Mueller matrix spectroscopy

A review of the techniques and applications of multichannel ellipsometry in the dual-rotating-compensator configuration is given. This ellipsometric approach has been established as the ultimate in real-time, single-spot optical measurement, as it determines the entire 16-element Mueller matrix of a sample over a wide spectral range (up to 1.7-5.3 eV) from raw data collected over a single optical period of 0.25 s. The sequence of optical elements for this ellipsometer is denoted PC_1rSC_2rA, where P, S, and A represent the polarizer, sample, and analyzer. C_1r and C_2r represent two MgF₂ rotating compensators, either biplates or monoplates that rotate synchronously at frequencies of ω₁ = 5ω and ω₂ = 3ω, where π/ω is the fundamental optical period. Previous high-speed Mueller matrix measurements with this instrument have been performed on uniform, weakly anisotropic samples such as (110) Si, in which case one can extract the bulk isotropic and near-surface anisotropic optical responses simultaneously. In such an application, the instrument is operated at its precision/accuracy limits. Here, ex situ results on a strongly anisotropic, locally biaxial film are presented that demonstrate instrument capabilities for real-time analysis of such films during fabrication or modification. In addition, the use of the instrument as a real-time probe to extract surface roughness evolution on three different in-plane scales for an isotropic film surface is demonstrated for the first time.     

Maximal spontaneous CP-violation and left-right symmetry

An interesting form of quark mass matrices that arises in left-right symmetric models of weak interactions is discussed. It leads to a maximal CP-phase in the left-handed charged-current quark mixing matrix and to predictions for the mixing matrix elements U_us and U_cb in agreement with experiment, leaving U_ub as a free parameter. A way in which the model may be realized in a technically natural manner is described.     

Reflection and transmission of light for a layer of a naturally gyrotropic medium found in an external magnetic field

The propagation of electromagnetic waves through a layer of a naturally gyrotropic medium found in a magnetic field is studied. The problem is solved mathematically using 4×4 Berreman matrices. The Berreman Δ matrix and exact Jones reflection (R?) and transmission (T?) matrices are constructed. The reflectivity, the transmittance, the azimuth, and the ellipticity of polarization of the transmitted wave are calculated. Specific features of the irreversibility of waves are studied. It is shown that multiple reflections in a finite layer lead to a manifold increase in irreversibility, which makes possible the use of such systems as optical diodes working in reflection or as unidirectional reflectors. It is shown that three eigenmodes are excited in such media under certain conditions. The relation between the azimuths of transmitted and incident waves is found and specific features of the relation are analyzed.     

Calculations of the Mueller matrix for scattering of light from two-dimensional surfaces

Abstract

Results are presented of an analysis of the Mueller matrix parameters for the problem of scattering of light from two-dimensional rough surfaces. The Mueller matrix fully describes the polarization properties of the scattered light. It is shown, using symmetry arguments, that for normal incidence it is necessary to measure the Mueller matrix terms in only one plane, thus reducing the amount of data to be analysed. Examples of the form of the Mueller matrix terms are calculated using a simple ray-trace approach.     

Tripartite connection condition for a quantum graph vertex

We discuss formulations of boundary conditions in a quantum graph vertex and demonstrate that the so-called ST-form can be further reduced up to a form more effective in certain applications: In particular, in identifying the number of independent parameters for given ranks of two connection matrices, or in calculating the scattering matrix when both matrices are singular. The new form of boundary conditions, called the PQRS-form, also gives a natural scheme to design generalized low and high pass quantum filters.     

Differentiating characteristic microstructural features of cancerous tissues using Mueller matrix microscope

Polarized light imaging can provide rich microstructural information of samples, and has been applied to the detections of various abnormal tissues. In this paper, we report a polarized light microscope based on Mueller matrix imaging by adding the polarization state generator and analyzer (PSG and PSA) to a commercial transmission optical microscope. The maximum errors for the absolute values of Mueller matrix elements are reduced to 0.01 after calibration. This Mueller matrix microscope has been used to examine human cervical and liver cancerous tissues with fibrosis. Images of the transformed Mueller matrix parameters provide quantitative assessment on the characteristic features of the pathological tissues. Contrast mechanism of the experimental results are backed up by Monte Carlo simulations based on the sphere–cylinder birefringence model, which reveal the relationship between the pathological features in the cancerous tissues at the cellular level and the polarization parameters. Both the experimental and simulated data indicate that the microscopic transformed Mueller matrix parameters can distinguish the breaking down of birefringent normal tissues for cervical cancer, or the formation of birefringent surrounding structures accompanying the inflammatory reaction for liver cancer. With its simple structure, fast measurement and high precision, polarized light microscope based on Mueller matrix shows a good diagnosis application prospect.     

两偏振态测量偏振相关损耗

基于具有偏振相关损耗和双折射的密勒矩阵洛伦兹变化特性,提出了一种测量偏振相关损耗的新方法.证实了测量偏振相关损耗取决于密勒矩阵的第一列元素.提出了一种实用的测量方法.新方法对于偏振相关损耗的测量只需要两个输入偏振态,因此具有测量速度快和测量误差小的优点,实验的测量结果证实了该方法的可靠性.     

Retardance properties of Twisted Ferro-electric Liquid Crystal

The present work presents, for the first time, the dynamic evolution of the hysteresis loops R(V), specifically based onto the total retardance polarimetric parameter R(t) extracted from the Mueller Matrix (MM) of Twisted Ferro-electric Liquid Crystal (TwFLC) samples. This evolution is given for increased exposure time T_exp to a rectangular periodic electric field E_app preliminary applied to the sample, before performing the polarimetric measurements. The Mueller Matrix formalism used is found as a relevant non-destructive and non invasive full-optical method to characterize and to monitor the Twisted Ferro-electric Liquid Crystal cell dynamic behaviour under external applied electric field, before reaching the so-called stripes regime.     

Realizing tri-bimaximal mixing in minimal seesaw model with S4 family symmetry

In this Letter, we realize the tri-bimaximal mixing in the lepton sector in the context of minimal seesaw in which only two right-handed neutrinos are introduced, with the discrete group S4 as the family symmetry. In order to constrain the form of superpotential, a Z3 symmetry is also introduced. In the model, the mass matrices for charged leptons and right-handed neutrinos are diagonal. The unitary matrix that diagonalizes the light Majorana neutrino mass matrix is exact tri-bimaximal at LO, and is corrected by small quantities of O(0.01) at NLO. The mechanism to get the particular scalar VEV alignments used is also presented. Phenomenologically, the mass spectrum is of normal hierarchy with m₁=0, and ∑mi and |mee| are about 0.058 eV and 0.003 eV respectively.