title: Generalized Jones matrices for anisotropic media.
abstract: The interaction of arbitrary three-dimensional light beams with optical elements is described by the generalized Jones calculus, which has been formally proposed recently [Azzam, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 28, 2279 (2011)]. In this work we obtain the parametric expression of the 3×3 differential generalized Jones matrix (dGJM) for arbitrary optical media assuming transverse light waves. The dGJM is intimately connected to the Gell-Mann matrices, and we show that it provides a versatile method for obtaining the macroscopic GJM of media with either sequential or simultaneous anisotropic effects. Explicit parametric expressions of the GJM for some relevant optical elements are provided.
authors.affiliation: Applied Optical Techniques Group, Electronics Technology, Systems and Automation Engineering Department, University of Cantabria, Avenida de los Castros S/N, 39005 Santander, Cantabria, Spain. ortegan@unican.es
authors.forename: Noé
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ortega-Quijano
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Arce-Diego
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D016880:Anisotropy; D003198:Computer Simulation; D008027:Light; D008420:Manufactured Materials; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D012031:Refractometry / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation