title: Dirac-algebraic approach to the theory of device operators in polarization optics.
abstract: An alternative approach to the theory of polarization optical devices, based on the Dirac-algebraic formalism, is presented. The advantages of this treatment over the widespread Jones-matrix formalism are discussed. The operators of some basic homogeneous optical devices are expanded in their eigenbases and in the Cartesian basis. The global and spectral properties of some cascades of polarization devices are analyzed.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 76900 Bucharest-Măgurele, PO Box MG11, Romania. ttudor@ifin.nipne.ro
authors.forename: Tiberiu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tudor