Polarization ray tracing in anisotropic optically active media. I. Algorithms

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Journal of the Optical Society of America, Part A: Optics and Image Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/JOSAA.10.002371· OSTI ID:283125

McClain, S C; Hillman, L W; Chipman, R A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Alabama, Huntsville, AL (United States)

Procedures for performing polarization ray tracing through birefringent media are presented in a form compatible with the standard methods of geometrical ray tracing. The birefringent materials treated include the following: anisotropic optically active materials such as quartz, non-optically active uniaxial materials such as calcite, and isotropic optically active materials such as mercury sulfide and organic liquids. Refraction and reflection algorithms are presented that compute both ray directions and wave directions. Methods for computing polarization modes, refractive indices, optical path lengths, and Fresnel transmission and reflection coefficients are also specified. A numerical example of these algorithms is given for analyzing the field of view of a quartz rotator. 37 refs., 3 figs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 283125
• Journal Information: Journal of the Optical Society of America, Part A: Optics and Image Science, Journal Name: Journal of the Optical Society of America, Part A: Optics and Image Science Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 10; ISSN JOAOD6; ISSN 0740-3232
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
ALGORITHMS
ANISOTROPY
BIREFRINGENCE
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
OPTICS
POLARIZATION
REFLECTION
REFRACTION
REFRACTIVE INDEX