title: Anisotropy coefficients of a Mueller matrix.
abstract: Anisotropy coefficients α, β, and γ that describe the type and the relative amount of the three kinds of anisotropy generally present in a Mueller matrix are introduced. Their derivation, algebraic properties, and physical interpretation are discussed. In particular, they are shown to permit a geometrical representation for the anisotropy and polarizing characteristics of a Mueller matrix. Illustrative experimental examples are provided.
authors.affiliation: FEMAN, Departament de Física Aplicada i Òptica, IN2UB, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain. oarteaga@ub.edu
authors.forename: Oriol
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Arteaga
authors.forename: Enric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Garcia-Caurel
authors.forename: Razvigor
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ossikovski