Spatially correlated polarization and non-paraxial propagation of electromagnetic wave fields

Abstract

The theoretical description of the spatially correlated polarization of electromagnetic wave fields and its non-paraxial propagation is discussed in terms of pure spatially correlated polarization states. They are characterized by the spatial correlation of polarization matrix and the non-local Stokes parameters, thus formalizing the tendency of specific scalar and vector features of the electromagnetic wave field to take on similar values at two distant points in space. Non-paraxial interference and diffraction are modelled by representing optical devices and spatial correlation areas by transmission matrices and polarization domains respectively. It gives new insight for the (scalar) spatial coherence as well as for the (vector) correlation of polarization of electromagnetic wave fields. Some numerical examples illustrate the capabilities of the proposed model as simulation tool for the design and development of optical devices for applications in small scale optics.