Quaternionic representation and design of depolarizers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quaternionic framework for representing and designing depolarizers, enabling the creation of setups to produce unpolarized light or reduce polarization, extending quaternion applications beyond polarizers.

Contribution

It proposes a novel quaternionic representation for depolarizers, expanding the mathematical tools for polarization control beyond existing polarizer models.

Findings

Designed setups for depolarization and polarization reduction

Linked quaternionic representation to polarization orthogonalization

Extended quaternion applications to depolarizing devices

Abstract

Quaternions have been used to represent polarization states and polarization operators. But so far, only polarizers, dichroic or non-depolarizing devices have been represented in that way. We propose a quaternionic representation of perfect as well as partial depolarizers. It leads us to design actual setups for producing natural (unpolarized) light from an arbitrary partially or completely polarized wave or for reducing the degree of polarization of a wave. We conclude by making the link with Azzam's polarization orthogonalization problem.