Open AccessInvariant degrees of coherence of partially polarized light
Author(s) -
Philippe Réfrégier,
François Goudail
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/opex.13.006051
Subject(s) - coherence theory , optics , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , polarization (electrochemistry) , physics , invariant (physics) , degree of coherence , coherence length , quantum mechanics , chemistry , superconductivity
The spatio-temporal properties of partially polarized light are analyzed in order to separate partial polarization and partial coherence. For that purpose we introduce useful invariance properties which allow one to characterize intrinsic properties of the optical light independently of the particular experimental conditions. This approach leads to new degrees of coherence and their relation with measurable quantities is discussed. These results are illustrated on some simple examples.