Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Author Spotlight: Non-Invasive Imaging of Complex Bio-Structures Using Polarization-Sensitive Two-Photon Microscopy
Published on: September 8, 2023
Monte Carlo modeling of polarized light propagation: Stokes vs. Jones. Part I
Abstract:
This bipartite comparative study aims at inspecting the similarities and differences between the Jones and Stokes-Mueller formalisms when modeling polarized light propagation with numerical simulations of the Monte Carlo type. In this first part, we review the theoretical concepts that concern light propagation and detection with both pure and partially/totally unpolarized states. The latter case involving fluctuations, or "depolarizing effects," is of special interest here: Jones and Stokes-Mueller are equally apt to model such effects and are expected to yield identical results. In a second, ensuing paper, empirical evidence is provided by means of numerical experiments, using both formalisms.
Related Concept Videos
Stokes' Law
The expression for the force on a solid spherical object in a fluid is called Stokes' law. Stokes' law is valid only...
Potential Due to a Polarized Object
Divergence and Stokes' Theorems
Group Polarization
Symmetry in Maxwell's Equations
Curvilinear Motion: Polar Coordinates
The particle's location is described using a unit vector along the radial direction. Deriving the particle's position...

