Three-dimensional polarization ray tracing calculus for partially polarized light

Calculating the evolution of polarization for all polarization states of light in optical systems, in global coordinates, is an important, yet challenging task. This calculation exists for completely polarized light, but has not yet been developed for partially polarized light. A 3 x 3 coherency matrix for partially polarized light, in global coordinates, is presented to calculate the transformation of its polarization as it passes through an optical system. This matrix is a three-dimensional generalization of the coherency matrix. A new coherency matrix calculus method in three dimensions is suggested and validated for two cases. A double Gauss optical lens is introduced to compare this method's performance with two-dimensional calculus. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America