title: Serial-parallel decompositions of Mueller matrices.
abstract: The algebraic methods for serial and parallel decompositions of Mueller matrices are combined in order to obtain a general framework for a suitable analysis of polarimetric measurements based on equivalent systems constituted by simple components. A general procedure for the parallel decomposition of a Mueller matrix into a convex sum of pure elements is presented and applied to the two canonical forms of depolarizing Mueller matrices [Ossikovski, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 27, 123 (2010).], leading to the serial-parallel decomposition of any Mueller matrix. The resultant model is consistent with the mathematical structure and the reciprocity properties of Mueller matrices.
authors: Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Zaragoza, c/San Juan Bosco 7, Zaragoza 50009, Spain. ppgil@unizar.es
authors: José J
authors: JJ
authors: Gil
authors: Ignacio
authors: I
authors: San José
authors: Razvigor
authors: R
authors: Ossikovski