Separation of Information on Intensity, Absolute Phase and Polarization in Pattern Formation by the Superposition of Slightly Inclined Electromagnetic Beams

Abstract

Stokes parameters are derived for an interference pattern when superimpose light beams that propagate at a small angle with respect to each other. Our calculations allow us to separate the information about the intensity, the absolute phase and the polarization by means of correlation functions, a correlation function for intensity, one for the absolute phase and four for the polarization (one for each Stokes parameter).