title: Positive-operator-valued-measure view of the ensemble approach to polarization optics.
abstract: The statistical ensemble formalism of Kim et al [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A4, 433 (1987)] offers a realistic model for characterizing the effect of stochastic nonimage-forming optical media on the state of polarization of transmitted light. With suitable choice of the Jones ensemble, various Mueller transformations-some of which are hitherto unknown-are deduced. It is observed that the ensemble approach is formally identical to the positive-operator-valued measures (POVMs) on the quantum density matrix. This observation, in combination with the recent suggestion by Ahnert and Payne [Phys. Rev. A71, 012330-1 (2005)]-in the context of generalized quantum measurement on single photon polarization states-that linear optics elements can be employed in setting up all possible POVMs enables us to propose a way of realizing different types of Mueller devices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Post Graduate Studies in Physics, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta, India. arss@rediffmail.com
authors.lastname: Sudha
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Gopala Rao
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Usha Devi
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Rajagopal