Reduced form of a Mueller matrix

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple method to transform any depolarizing Mueller matrix into a reduced form that consolidates its depolarization and polarizance properties into six parameters, aiding in characterization and analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a straightforward procedure based on Lu-Chipman decomposition to obtain a reduced form of Mueller matrices, enhancing analysis efficiency.

Findings

Enables simplified characterization of Mueller matrices

Facilitates analysis of singular Mueller matrices

Consolidates properties into six parameters

Abstract

Through a simple procedure based on the Lu-Chipman decomposition [S-Y. Lu and R. C. Chipman, J. Opt. Soc. Am A 13, 1106 (1996)] any depolarizing Mueller matrix can be transformed into a reduced form which accumulates the depolarization and polarizance properties into a set of six parameters. The simple structure of this reduced form provides straightforward ways for the general characterization of Mueller matrices as well as for the analysis of singular Mueller matrices.