Generalized stokes parameters of random electromagnetic beams.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Electromagnetism
• Wave Propagation

Background:

• Traditional Stokes parameters describe polarization of light beams but are limited to single spatial variables.
• Understanding the propagation of random electromagnetic beams in diverse media requires advanced characterization tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a generalized set of Stokes parameters for random electromagnetic beams.
• To demonstrate the utility of these generalized parameters in describing beam propagation and coherence properties.

Main Methods:

• Developed a mathematical framework for generalized Stokes parameters dependent on two spatial variables.
• Formulated precise propagation laws for these parameters in free space and linear media (deterministic or random).
• Expressed the degree of coherence of electromagnetic beams using the generalized Stokes parameters.

Main Results:

• Generalized Stokes parameters obey deterministic propagation laws in various media.
• These parameters allow for the determination of changes in ordinary Stokes parameters during propagation.
• Numerical examples illustrate the transformation of Stokes parameters upon propagation.
• The generalized parameters inherently contain information about both polarization and coherence.

Conclusions:

• The generalized Stokes parameters offer a comprehensive description of random electromagnetic beams.
• They provide a powerful tool for analyzing beam behavior and evolution in complex optical systems.
• This generalization enhances the understanding of light-matter interactions and wave phenomena.