An in-depth exploration of polarized light, this book covers production and uses, facilitating self-study without prior knowledge of Maxwell's equations. This third edition includes more than 2,500 figures and equations along with chapters on polarization elements, anisotropic materials, Stokes polarimetry, Mueller matrix polarimetry, and the mathematics of the Mueller matrix. It features two new chapters, one on polarized light in nature and one on birefringence. It also presents a completely revised review of the history of polarized light and contains a new appendix on conventions used in polarized light.

Dr. Dennis Goldstein is a senior physicist with Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc., following a 28-year career in electro-optics research at the Air Force Research Laboratory. He is a fellow of SPIE and AFRL, and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona and University of Florida. He also teaches short courses for the Georgia Institute of Technology. In addition to Polarized Light, Dr. Goldstein has published more than 70 papers and technical reports, and two book chapters. He holds six patents.

Part I: Introduction to Polarized Light

Introduction. Polarization in the Natural Environment. Wave Equation in Classical Optics. The Polarization Ellipse. Stokes Polarization Parameters. Mueller Matrices for Polarizing Components. Fresnel Equations: Derivation and Mueller Matrix Formulation. Mathematics of the Mueller Matrix. Mueller Matrices for Dielectric Plates. The Jones Matrix Formalism. The Poincare Sphere. Fresnel-Arago Interference Laws.

Part II: Polarimetry

Introduction. Methods of Measuring Stokes Polarization Parameters. Measurement of the Characteristics of Polarizing Elements. Stokes Polarimetry. Mueller Matrix Polarimetry. Techniques in Imaging Polarimetry. Channeled Polarimetry for Snapshot Measurements.

Part III: Applications

Introduction. Crystal Optics. Optics of Metals. Polarization Optical Elements. Ellipsometry. Form Birefringence and Meanderline Retarders.

Part IV: Classical and Quantum Theory of Radiation by Accelerating Charges

Introduction to Classical and Quantum Theory of Radiation by Accelerating Charges. Maxwell's Equations for Electromagnetic Fields. The Classical Radiation Field. Radiation Emitted by Accelerating Charges. Radiation of an Accelerating Charge in the Electromagnetic Field. The Classical Zeeman Effect. Further Applications of the Classical Radiation Theory. The Stokes Parameters and Mueller Matrices for Optical Activity and Faraday Rotation. Stokes Parameters for Quantum Systems.

Appendices