Authors: Mehran Sepah Mansoor, Angel Morales, Mumlesh Sawasiya
Abstract
Defining polarization behavior using Jones Matrix and Mueller Matrix surfaces often requires manual matrix entry. Manual entry increases setup time and the risk of errors. The Polarization tab addition to the Lens Data Editor and Non-Sequential Component Editor provides a parameter-based method for defining common polarization elements. You define physical properties such as angle, transmission, retardance, and degree of polarization. The Polarization tab then computes and previews the corresponding matrix before applying it to the active surface.
Introduction
Polarization modeling plays an important role in many optical systems. OpticStudio represents polarization behavior using Jones Matrix and Mueller Matrix surfaces in the Lens Data Editor (LDE) and Non-Sequential Component Editor (NSCE). Manual matrix entry allows flexibility but requires careful attention to conventions and phase terms. The Polarization tab simplifies this workflow by converting physical polarization parameters into validated matrix definitions. This article explains how the Polarization tab works and shows how to use it for common polarization elements.
Overview of the Polarization Tab
The Polarization tab appears in the Surface Properties or Object Properties dialog box when you select a Jones Matrix or Mueller Matrix surface / objects in the LDE / NSCE. When you select any other surface type, the tab is unavailable.
Use the Polarization tab to define polarization behavior using physical parameters instead of manual matrix terms. The tab updates the matrix preview dynamically as you change input values. Click Set Parameters to apply the computed matrix to the active surface.
Supported Polarization Definitions
The Polarization tab supports the following polarization types:
Linear Polarizer
Linear Retarder
The tab makes available only the input fields required for the selected surface type and polarization type.
Polarization Tab Inputs
Use the following inputs to define polarization behavior:
Type “Linear Polarizer” and “Linear Retarder” polarizing elements are supported for the Jones Matrix and Mueller Matrix.
Angle Defines either the axis of transmission (when “Type” is set to “Linear Polarizer”) or the fast axis (when “Type” is set to “Linear Retarder”).
Transmission Defines the transmission of the polarizing element on the intensity of incident rays.
Degree of Polarization Defines a depolarizing ratio that the computed matrix will have on incident polarized light. This factor is multiplied to the matrix terms M11-M33, and values of 0 to 1 (inclusive) are accepted. A value of 1 represents a matrix that outputs fully polarized light, and a value of 0 represents a matrix that outputs randomly polarized light. Only applies to Mueller Matrix surface types.
Retardance Defines the phase delay of the slow axis from the fast axis. Active only when “Type” is set to “Linear Retarder”.
Depolarize Sets the “Depolarize” parameter to 1 in the Lens Data Editor if the Surface Type is a Mueller Matrix if checked. Sets the “Depolarize” parameter to 0 if unchecked. Disabled for the Jones Matrix surface.
Set Parameters When clicked, this button will set the active surface parameters to match the displayed preview matrix within the Polarization tab.
How the Polarization Tab Generates Jones and Mueller Matrices
The Polarization tab converts physical inputs into matrix representations using standard polarization optics formulations.
- For Jones Matrix surfaces / objects, the tab computes a 2×2 complex-valued Jones Matrix directly from the specified angle, transmission, and (if applicable) retardance. The resulting matrix is displayed using Zemax standard real/imaginary pair notation.
When the Surface Type is set to Jones Matrix, and when Type is set to “Linear Polarizer,” the Jones matrix calculation can be represented by the following equation1:
where θ represents “Angle” and t represents “Transmission”
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When the Surface Type is set to Jones Matrix, and when Type is set to “Linear Retarder,” the Jones matrix calculation can be represented by the following equation2:
where θ represents “Angle”, t represents “Transmission”, and δ represents “Retardance”
For Mueller Matrix surfaces / objects, the tab computes a 4×4 real-valued Mueller Matrix that includes transmission, polarization orientation, retardance, and depolarization effects. The Degree of Polarization parameter scales polarization-dependent terms while preserving correct total transmitted intensity.
- When the Surface Type is set to Mueller Matrix, and when Type is set to “Linear Polarizer,” the Mueller matrix calculation can be represented by the following equation3:
where θ represents “Angle”, DoP represents “Degree of Polarization”, and t represents “Transmission”
When the Surface Type is set to Mueller Matrix, and when Type is set to “Linear Retarder,” the Mueller matrix calculation can be represented by the following equation1:
where θ represents “Angle”, DoP represents “Degree of Polarization”, δ represents “Retardance”, and t represents “Transmission”
Examples to defined Polarization states
The following examples show common ways to use the Polarization tab.
Jones Matrix as a Linear Polarizer
Select a Jones Matrix surface to configure it as a Linear Polarizer
- Surface Type: Jones Matrix
- Type: Linear Polarizer
- Angle: 30°
- Transmission: 1
The Polarization tab displays a live Jones Matrix preview. Click Set Parameters to apply the matrix to the surface.
Jones Matrix as a Linear Retarder
Select a Jones Matrix surface to configure it as a Quarter-Wave Plate
Surface Type: Jones Matrix
Type: Linear Retarder
Angle: 45°
Transmission: 0.8
Retardance: 90°
The matrix preview updates as you change values. Apply the matrix after you confirm the phase behavior.
Mueller Matrix as a Linear Polarizer
Select a Mueller Matrix surface to configure as a Partially Depolarizing Polarizer
Surface Type: Mueller Matrix
Type: Linear Polarizer
Angle: 30°
Transmission: 1
Degree of Polarization: 0.8
Depolarize: Selected
The preview shows the resulting Mueller Matrix before application.
Mueller Matrix as a Linear Retarder
Select a Mueller Matrix surface to configure as a Linear Retarder
Surface Type: Mueller Matrix
Type: Linear Retarder
Angle: 45°
Transmission: 1
Degree of Polarization: 1
Retardance: 90°
The Polarization tab computes the Mueller Matrix that produces the expected Stokes vector behavior.
Conclusion
The Polarization tab provides a clear and efficient method for defining polarization behavior in Zemax. You define physical parameters instead of manual matrix terms. The tab computes and previews Jones Matrix and Mueller Matrix definitions automatically. This workflow reduces setup time and improves consistency across sequential and non-sequential polarization models.
Additional Resources
Zemax Help: The Setup Tab » System Group (the Setup Tab) » System Explorer » Polarization (System Explorer) » Defining Polarizing Components
Zemax Help: The Setup Tab » System Group (the Setup Tab) » System Explorer » Polarization (System Explorer) » Defining Polarizing Components » Defining Polarizing Components (Mueller Matrix)
References
Chipman, R., Lam, W.S.T., & Young, G. (2018). Polarized Light and Optical Systems (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781351129121
Pericles S. Theocaris, Emmanuel E. Gdoutos (2013). Matrix Theory of Photoelasticity. Springer Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-35789-6
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Edward Collett (2005). Field Guide to Polarization. SPIE—The International Society for Optical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1117/3.626141