Work

Construction of Stokes probability clouds from the polarization matrices for thermal light and polarization speckle

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Utilizing the eigendecomposition of the Hermitian polarization matrix, we present a geometric framework for the study of polarization speckles and partially polarized thermal light. The proposed methodology is founded on the concept of the Stokes probability cloud that provides a geometric representation of the joint probability distribution of instantaneous (or spatially localized) random Stokes vectors. In addition to the eigenvalues that specify the shape and size of the Stokes probability cloud, we will find the associated eigenvectors that define the orientation of the Stokes probability cloud. The relationship between the joint probability density and the marginal probability densities of the Stokes parameters is illustrated by projecting the Stokes probability cloud onto the axes in the three-dimensional Hilbert space. This geometrical approach provides intuitive insights into the involved mathematical relations of stochastic polarization phenomena in optics.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.587562

Authors: Wei Wang, Mitsuo Takeda

Institution: Utsunomiya University

Language: English

Topic: Optical Polarization and Ellipsometry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funder: Scottish Universities Physics Alliance