Stepped polarization states: Representation and its applications to optical sensing and measurement

By the introduction of proper step functions, the alternately polarized light with stepped polarization states can be represented as one concise Jones or Stokes vector, or one complex number. These expressions can simplify the analysis and design of polarization-multiplexed optical systems. Both azimuth-stepping and ellipticity-stepping polarization states can be generated by the use of an electrooptic modulator based on dual transverse Pockels effect. In polarimetric sensing and measurement systems, the application of stepped polarization states can both simplify signal processing, and improve measurement sensitivity and signal to noise ratio (SNR).