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How does OpticStudio define the s- and p-polarization states?

  • 14 February 2019
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What are the s- and p-polarization states? How do I make my incoming beam s-polarized?

 

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Best answer by Allie 14 February 2019, 19:05

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A common misconception is that a ray itself (or beam of light) is s- or p- polarized. S and p are not inherent to an incoming beam of light, but are instead defined relative to the plane of incidence of the ray on a surface.


The amplitude and polarization state of the electric field is described by a vector E which has components {Ex, EyEz} which are all complex-valued. The ray propagation vector k has components {l, m, n} where l, m, and n are the direction cosines of the ray in the x, y and z directions. The electric field vector E must be orthogonal to the propagation vector k so that:





And, therefore:





What we choose to call the x, y and z axes is arbitrary. For example, I may choose z to go from left to right across the screen, y from bottom to top, and x into the screen. Or, I might choose z to point out of the screen, y to go left to right and x to go bottom to top. As long as I am consistent in my definition of coordinate axes, there is no problem.


But, when a ray intercepts the surface of an optical component, we define a plane, called the plane of incidence, which is not arbitrary. The plane of incidence contains both the k vector and the surface normal vector n at the intercept point. The s-component of the field is the projection of E that lies along the axis orthogonal to the plane of incidence, while the p-projection lies within the plane of incidence. The electric field E is then divided into Es and Ep components, both of which are complex-valued.


So, s and p are defined relative to the plane of incidence of the ray on the surface, and are not characteristics of the beam itself.


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