Visualization of electromagnetic-wave polarization evolution using the Poincare sphere

For the first time to the best of our knowledge, we derive expressions for coordinates of the trajectory on the Poincare sphere that represent polarization evolution in an arbitrary beam of completely polarized light. Our work substantially extends the mapping function of the Poincare sphere, and opens up new possibilities for its use in optics. In particular, the obtained expressions allow one to visualize the results of the finite-difference time-domain modeling of light propagation through birefringent crystals, including simulations of polarization rotation experienced by ultrashort pulses in nonlinear media. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America