Stoke parameters and incoherent light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the applicability of Stokes parameters and Jones calculus to different types of light, specifically incoherent versus monochromatic light. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings and definitions related to polarization and coherence in electromagnetic waves.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why Stokes parameters and Jones calculus are said to apply only to incoherent light, expressing confusion about their applicability to monochromatic light.
  • Another participant argues that Stokes parameters and Jones calculus should not fail for any type of electromagnetic wave, suggesting that they provide a comprehensive description.
  • A different participant clarifies that Jones calculus applies specifically to fully coherent light, while Mueller calculus (Stokes vector) can describe partially polarized light, indicating a unique mapping from Jones vectors to Stokes vectors but not vice versa.
  • A participant asserts that randomly polarized light is always incoherent, confirming a definition related to polarization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the applicability of Stokes parameters and Jones calculus, with no consensus reached on the initial question of their limitations to incoherent light.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying interpretations of coherence and polarization, with some assumptions about definitions and the scope of applicability remaining unresolved.

Wminus
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Hi. There is one thing I don't understand: Why do stoke's parameters and all the Jones calculus business apply only to incoherent light? I don't understand how it can work on incoherent light, while fail to work on e.g. monochromatic light.

Or am I just confused? All answers appreciated.
 
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Why should they fail in any case? They are the comprehensive description of all kinds of electromagnetic waves. The Wikipedia article is pretty good. Which point don't you understand?
 
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Wminus said:
Hi. There is one thing I don't understand: Why do stoke's parameters and all the Jones calculus business apply only to incoherent light? I don't understand how it can work on incoherent light, while fail to work on e.g. monochromatic light.

I think you are confused- the Jones calculus *only* applies to *fully coherent* light. The Mueller calculus (Stokes vector) is more general and can describe partially polarized light. Consequently, there is a unique mapping of Jones vectors to Stokes vectors, but not the reverse.
 
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OK, I see. thanks guys.

BTW, randomly polarized light is always incoherent, right?
 

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