UNIFIED FORMALISM FOR POLARIZATION OPTICS WITH APPLICATION TO POLARIMETRY ON A TWISTED OPTICAL-FIBER

A unified formalism for polarization optics is presented. This formali sm was developed to use the Stokes-Mueller matrix equation and the Lor entz group to provide a conceptual framework and a systematic method t o model and understand complicated polarization phenomena in optical m edia (such as optical-fibers, fiber systems, devices, and networks). C entral to this approach is the utilization of operator and group theor etic techniques to exploit the analogy that exists between the dichroi sm and birefringence elements of the Mueller matrix of polarization op tics and the boost and rotation generators, respectively, of the Loren tz transformations of special relativity. This forma[ism incorporates the other popular [i.e:, the Jones, the coherency (or density), and th e Mueller matrix] polarization approaches into a single unified formal ism. To address polarization issues for complicated systems, we introd uce several rudimentary deterministic Mueller matrices. First, the Mue ller matrix for arbitrary birefringence and dichroism is given. Second , the Mueller matrix for arbitrary but uniform birefringence and dichr oism is given. Third, the Mueller matrix for optical media with succes sive (series) birefringence and dichroism along the optical path are g iven. Fourth, the Mueller matrix for optical media with simultaneous ( parallel) birefringences and dichroisms along the optical path are giv en. Finally, the formalism is applied to a comparison between polarime tric data [for a short (similar to 1 m) optical fiber with low interna l linear birefringence under the influence of a constant external twis t rate] and a theoretical model. The agreement between measurement and theory are excellent.