On the theory of partial polarization and phase retrieval
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Abstract
In the study of polarization matrix methods have long been used. In Chapter I a detailed survey is given of the Jones method, the coherency matrix formalism and the Mueller method.
In Chapter II an attempt is made to recast the whole approach to the theory of partial polarization into the language of an eigenvalue problem. It is assumed that the monochromatic eigenstates in the Jones method are known. The eigenvalue equation in the Mueller method is then solved. A corresponding equation for the coherency matrix is formulated and solved. It is shown that when the eigenvectors of the instrument operator are orthogonal no more than two of the four solutions of the equation in the coherency matrix formalism commute with the instrument operator. The physical interpretation of the commutation relations is given. Then the case of the degenerate eigenvalues is studied and it is shown how a partially polarized field can also be an eigenstate of the instrument operator [TRUNCATED]
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