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Partially polarized fields generated by constant-amplitude (non-thermal) beams

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Abstract

The necessity for polarization-tensors of higher order than the 2×2 polarization matrix is clearly demonstrated, by considering two inequivalent situations arising from the superposition of two constant-amplitude beams with a random phase difference between them. The partially- and unpolarized fields from the superposition of two circularly polarized beams show no anisotropy in intensity fluctuations when viewed by a plane-polarized detector. This is not the case for the partially- and even the unpolarized beam formed from two plane-polarized beams. In passing, thesimple form of the polarization curve observed by a rotatable plane-polarized detector subject to an elliptically polarized beam, is derived.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorio di Elettronica Quantistica, Via Panciatichi 56/30, Firenze, Italy

    G. J. Troup

  2. Physics Department, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    R. G. Turner

  3. Careers and Appointments Office, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    B. J. Walsh

Authors
  1. G. J. Troup
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  2. R. G. Turner
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  3. B. J. Walsh
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Additional information

On leave from Physics Department, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

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Troup, G.J., Turner, R.G. & Walsh, B.J. Partially polarized fields generated by constant-amplitude (non-thermal) beams. Opto-electronics 6, 161–166 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01419064

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01419064

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