Alternate Explanation
A monochromatic plane wave is specified by its propagation vector, and the complex amplitudes of the electric field, and, in a basis . Alternatively, one may specify the propagation vector, the phase, and the polarization state, where is the curve traced out by the electric field in a fixed plane. The most familiar polarization states are linear and circular, which are degenerate cases of the most general state, an ellipse.
One way to describe polarization is by giving the semi-major and semi-minor axes of the polarization ellipse, its orientation, and the sense of rotation (See the above figure). The Stokes parameters, and, provide an alternative description of the polarization state which is experimentally convenient because each parameter corresponds to a sum or difference of measurable intensities. The next figure shows examples of the Stokes parameters in degenerate states.
Read more about this topic: Stokes Parameters
Famous quotes containing the words alternate and/or explanation:
“Germany is a queer country: one cant regard it dispassionately. I alternate between hating it thoroughly, stick, stock and stone, and yearning over it fit to break my heart. I cant help feeling it a young and adorable countryadolescentwith the faults of adolescence.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“Herein is the explanation of the analogies, which exist in all the arts. They are the re-appearance of one mind, working in many materials to many temporary ends. Raphael paints wisdom, Handel sings it, Phidias carves it, Shakspeare writes it, Wren builds it, Columbus sails it, Luther preaches it, Washington arms it, Watt mechanizes it. Painting was called silent poetry, and poetry speaking painting. The laws of each art are convertible into the laws of every other.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)