Mueller Matrix Calculator
Chain optical elements using Mueller matrices and compute output Stokes vector.
S_out = M_n · M_(n-1) · … · M₁ · S_in
Convention (Goldstein): RCP = [1, i]/√2 turns clockwise as seen by the receiver; S₃ > 0 is right-handed.
Input Stokes Vector
Optical Elements (light travels →)
1.
Output Stokes Vector
S₀ (I)
1.000
S₁
1.000
S₂
0.000
S₃
0.000
DOP: 100.0%
Combined Mueller Matrix
[ 0.50, 0.50, 0.00, 0.00]
[ 0.50, 0.50, 0.00, 0.00]
[ 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00]
[ 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00]
Model and references
Exact. The equations are exact within the stated assumptions, or are a standard's tabulated values. The results are as good as the inputs. About the tiers
Ideal Mueller matrices chained in the order the light meets them; the rotator turns +45° counter-clockwise. Inputs need √(S₁² + S₂² + S₃²) ≤ S₀. Not modelled: real extinction ratios or retardance errors.
- Goldstein D. H. (2011). Polarized Light, 3rd ed., ch. Mueller Matrices for Polarizing Components, pp. 93–115. CRC Press. doi:10.1201/b10436