Two-vector representation of a nondepolarizing Mueller matrix

TL;DR

This paper introduces a geometric vector-based representation of nondepolarizing Mueller matrices using pairs of vectors in the Poincaré sphere, enabling classification of such media.

Contribution

It presents a novel geometric framework with two vector representations for analyzing nondepolarizing media, enhancing understanding and classification.

Findings

Vector pairs in the Poincaré sphere characterize media properties

Equatorial plane vectors offer an alternative representation

Analysis of vector magnitudes and orientations enables media classification

Abstract

A geometric view of the polarimetric properties of a nondepolarizing medium is presented by means of a pair of vectors in the Poincar\'e sphere. An alternative representation constituted by a set of vectors contained in the equatorial plane of the Poincar\'e sphere is also defined and interpreted. The analyses of the magnitudes and relative orientations of the constitutive vectors of such simple representations allow for a classification of nondepolarizing media.