Abstract

The MacCullagh compensating method for determining the state of polarization of an elliptic wave has been developed in the original MacCullagh procedure and in modified form by Berek. Each arrangement requires different equations for computing azimuth and ellipticity of the elliptic vibration. A new approach to these two procedures is made and a single formula—tan²γ=tanα tan(α−2β)—contains all possible arrangements of the MacCullagh method. The ellipticity as well as the azimuth and the sense of the elliptic wave are given by the measured compensating azimuths α and β. Tables of experimental results illustrate the special features of the new formula.

© 1966 Optical Society of America

A Spherical Projection Chart for Use in the Study of Elliptically Polarized Light

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New Method of Making Fresnel Transforms with Incoherent Light*

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Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Birefringent Multilayers*

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