Generalized formulation and symmetry properties of reciprocal nonabsorbingpolarization devices: application to liquid-crystal displays

We present a general formulation based on the Jones-matrix theory for recip rocal nonabsorbing polarization devices, including polarization interferenc e filters and liquid-crystal displays. The development of this formulation is based on general symmetry conditions that relate the Jones matrix when t he device is illuminated from the front side and from the back side. The ap plication to liquid-crystal displays results in a constraint of the Jones-m atrix elements, which represents a generalization of the existing models th at explain their modulation properties. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America [S0740-3232(00)02011-1].