Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: Non-Invasive Imaging of Complex Bio-Structures Using Polarization-Sensitive Two-Photon Microscopy
Published on: September 8, 2023
Polarization state transformation using two quarter wave plates: application to Mueller polarimetry
Abstract:
We show that there are a number of ways to transform an arbitrary polarization state into another with just two quarter wave plates (QWPs). We have verified this geometrically using the trajectories of the initial and final polarization states corresponding to all the fast axis orientations of a QWP on the Poincaré sphere. The exact analytical expression for the locus of polarization states has also been given, and describes the trajectory. An analytical treatment of the equations obtained through matrix operations corresponding to the transformation supports the geometrical representation. This knowledge can be used to obtain the Mueller matrix by just using QWPs, which has been shown experimentally by exploiting projections of the output states on the input states.
Related Concept Videos
Dielectric Polarization in a Capacitor
Potential Due to a Polarized Object
Polar Coordinates
Mass Analyzers: Common Types
Group Polarization

