Minimal three-component SU(2) gadget for polarization optics

Simon, R and Mukunda, N (1990) Minimal three-component SU(2) gadget for polarization optics. In: Physics Letters A, 143 (4-5). pp. 165-169.

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Abstract

Two identities involving quarter-wave plates and half-wave plates are established. These are used to improve on an earlier gadget involving four wave plates leading to a new gadget involving just three plates, a half-wave plate and two quarter-wave plates, which can realize all SU(2) polarization transformations. This gadget is shown to involve the minimum number of quarter-wave and half-wave plates. The analysis leads to a decomposition theorem for SU (2) matrices in terms of factors which are symmetric fourth and eighth roots of the identity.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Physics Letters A
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Science.
Department/Centre:	Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Centre for Theoretical Studies (Ceased to exist at the end of 2003)
Date Deposited:	27 Apr 2011 05:03
Last Modified:	27 Apr 2011 05:03
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/35035

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