Tunable Laser Optics, 2nd Edition

5

Polarization

5.1 Introduction

This chapter is a revised version of Chapter 5 on classical linear polarization published in Duarte (2003) and includes some new subject matter on polarization as discussed in Duarte (2014).

5.2 Maxwell Equations

Maxwell equations are of fundamental importance since they describe the whole of classical electromagnetic phenomena. From a classical perspective, light can be described as waves of electromagnetic radiation. As such, Maxwell equations are very useful to illustrate a number of the characteristics of light including polarization. It is customary to just state these equations without derivation. Since our goal is simply to apply them, the usual approach will be followed. However, for those interested, ...