Simulate Light Not Polarized Using Jones Formalism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simulating unpolarized light using Jones formalism, with participants exploring the applicability of different mathematical frameworks for light polarization, specifically comparing Jones calculus and Mueller calculus. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical implications for simulation in programming.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about simulating unpolarized light using Jones formalism.
  • Another participant questions the definition of Jones formalism and notes that sunlight is not polarized unless reflected.
  • A link to a Wikipedia article on Jones calculus is provided for reference.
  • It is proposed that unpolarized light can be modeled as equally polarized in two orthogonal directions, with a suggestion that roughly 50% of the light would be polarized in each direction.
  • One participant cites a limitation of Jones calculus, stating it is only applicable to fully polarized light and suggests that Mueller calculus should be used for unpolarized or partially polarized light.
  • A request is made for knowledge on Mueller calculus, specifically in the context of simulating photon behavior and polarizers in Java.
  • Another participant asserts that while Mueller calculus can model both polarized and unpolarized light, Jones calculus is easier to use for fully polarized light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of Jones and Mueller calculus for simulating unpolarized light. There is no consensus on which formalism is preferable for the simulation task described.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the limitations of Jones calculus for unpolarized light and the need for Mueller calculus, but the specific conditions under which each formalism is applicable remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in optical physics, simulation of light behavior, and the mathematical frameworks for polarization may find this discussion relevant.

gandalf215
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Hi,

how i could simulate light not yet polarized with jones formalism?
 
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"jones formalism" what is that? Sun light isn't polarized unless its reflected of a surface.
 
It looks like the best thing you can do is to assume that unpolarized => equally polarized in the x and y (or whatever coordinates you are using) direction. When you say light is unpolarized you are saying that it is randomly distributed. You can always break this down into polarization in x or y direction (assuming the light is traveling in the z direction), and if the light is truly random, there should be roughly 50% of it polarized in the x direction and 50% polarized in the y.

---------------------------
theUndergrad

http://www.theUndergraduateJournal.com
 
Last edited by a moderator:
"Note that Jones calculus is only applicable to light that is already fully polarized. Light which is unpolarized, partially polarized, or incoherent must be treated using Mueller calculus."

Guess you can't, it says you must use mueller calculus.
 
Some of you knows better Mueller calculus?

Having to simulate on PC (with java) the behavior of a photon and polarizers,in your opinion which formalism i could take?
 
I think Muller calculus can be used to modle polarized and unpolarized light, but it is easyer to use Jones calculus is easyer to used on fully polarized lightthan Mueller calculus.
 

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