Matrix formulation for the propagation of light beams with orbital and spin angular momenta

L. Allen, J. Courtial, and M. J. Padgett
Phys. Rev. E 60, 7497 – Published 1 December 1999
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Abstract

Jones matrices describe the polarization, or spin angular momentum, of a light beam as it passes through an optical system. We devise an equivalent of the Jones matrix formulation for light possessing orbital angular momentum. The matrices are then developed to account for light that has both spin and orbital angular momentum.

  • Received 26 May 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.60.7497

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

L. Allen

  • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, Scotland

J. Courtial and M. J. Padgett

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Kelvin Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland

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Vol. 60, Iss. 6 — December 1999

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