Characterization of the local Stokes parameters of a highly focused beam

Abstract

The polarisation state of a transverse electromagnetic wave is described by the Stokes parameters. The goal of this project is to describe the polarization state of light taking into account the three-dimensional nature of the electric field, present in highly focused beams. To achieve this, a modified version of the Stokes parameters, the local Stokes parameters, has been calculated. The intensity of the field in the focal area and the local Stokes parameters are shown throughout the project for different types of incident beams.