Geometric Polarimetry - Part I: Spinors and Wave States

Details Geometric Polarimetry - Part I: Spinors and Wave States Geometric Polarimetry - Part I: Spinors and Wave States

2008-04-04

arxiv.org/abs/0804.0745v1

Physics

Optics

49 pages, 9 figures, 1 table

Scientific paper

A new approach to polarization algebra is introduced. It exploits the geometric properties of spinors in order to represent wave states consistently in arbitrary directions in three dimensional space. In this first expository paper of an intended series the basic derivation of the spinorial wave state is seen to be geometrically related to the electromagnetic field tensor in the spatio-temporal Fourier domain. Extracting the polarization state from the electromagnetic field requires the introduction of a new element, which enters linearly into the defining relation. We call this element the phase flag and it is this that keeps track of the polarization reference when the coordinate system is changed and provides a phase origin for both wave components. In this way we are able to identify the sphere of three dimensional unit wave vectors with the Poincare' sphere.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Geometric Polarimetry - Part I: Spinors and Wave States does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Geometric Polarimetry - Part I: Spinors and Wave States, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Geometric Polarimetry - Part I: Spinors and Wave States will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-191066