Polarized Light and Optical Measurement

Other Titles in the Series in Natural Philosophy

Preface

Chapter 1. The Description of Polarized Light

1.1. Introduction

1.2. On the Nature of Light

1.3. Mathematical Methods

1.3.1. Introduction

1.3.2. The Jones Vector

1.3.3. The Stokes Parameters

1.3.4. The Mueller Calculus

1.3.5. The Poincaré Sphere

1.4. Conclusion

Chapter 2. Some Interactions of Light and Matter

2.1. Introduction

2.2. Reflection

2.2.1. Reflection by Dielectrics

2.2.2. Reflection by Metals

2.3. Transmission

2.3.1. Isotropic Media

2.3.2. Anisotropic Media

2.4. Absorption

Chapter 3. Optical Elements Used in Polarization Studies

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Polarizers

3.2.1. Birefringent Polarizers

3.2.2. Reflection Polarizers

3.2.3. Dichroic Polarizers

3.3. Retarders

3.3.1. Birefringent Retarders

3.3.2. Reflection Retarders

3.4. Other Devices

Chapter 4. Measurement of the State of Polarization

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Measurement of the State of Polarization

4.2.1. General Considerations

4.2.2. Linear Polarization Measurement

4.2.3. Elliptical Polarization Measurement

4.2.4. Spectral Measurements

Chapter 5. The Role of Polarization in Optical Instrumentation

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Intensity Control

5.3. Bandwidth Control

5.4. Polarizational Labeling

5.5. Polarizing Effects in Measuring Instruments

Appendix I. Historical Notes on Polarization

Appendix II. Matrix Multiplication

References

Index