Jones Matrices for Simple Polarizing Elements

Matrix representations are commonly used to provide a mathematical description of optical measurements in a compact and convenient manner. The Jones and the Mueller matrix representations are often used to describe the change in polarization state of the light upon interaction with a sample. In these representations, Jones and Stokes vectors represent the different polarization states of light, and matrices are used to represent elements which change those states, as optical elements or the sample being analyzed. Figure 2.14 illustrates a simple ellipsometer and shows the Jones matrix representations for each component in a general case. 

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