Parameterization of the deterministic Mueller matrix: application to a uniform medium.

The extraction of the elementary polarization properties of a uniform medium from a deterministic Mueller matrix has been considered by several researchers. The relationship between a parameterization of the deterministic Mueller matrix that we described recently and the elementary polarization properties for a uniform medium is investigated. The elementary polarization properties can be calculated exactly from the Mueller matrix parameters. Simplified forms for the Mueller matrix parameters in terms of the elementary polarization properties are presented. The effect on the Mueller matrix of varying the ratio of the total diattenuation to the total retardance is investigated. Approximate forms for the elementary polarization properties in terms of the Mueller matrix parameters, valid for weak optical media, are given.