On the Derivation of Vector Radiative Transfer Equation for Polarized Radiative Transport in Graded Index Media

Light transport in graded index media follows a curved trajectory determined by the Fermat's principle. Besides the effect of variation of the refractive index on the transport of radiative intensity, the curved ray trajectory will induce geometrical effects on the transport of polarization ellipse. This paper presents a complete derivation of vector radiative transfer equation for polarized radiation transport in absorption, emission and scattering graded index media. The derivation is based on the analysis of the conserved quantities for polarized light transport along curved trajectory and a novel approach. The obtained transfer equation can be considered as a generalization of the classic vector radiative transfer equation that is only valid for uniform refractive index media. Several variant forms of the transport equation are also presented, which include the form for Stokes parameters defined with a fixed reference and the Eulerian forms in the ray coordinate and in several common orthogonal coordinate systems.Comment: This paper has been submitted to JQSR

NBS monograph

From Abstract: "This Monograph presents an outline of the methods used at the National Bureau of Standards to predict the performance of lenses from an analysis of their designs. The technique is based on the use of spot diagrams, which are analogs of star image tests, and makes extensive use of high-speed digital computers.

The Real Symplectic Groups in Quantum Mechanics and Optics

text of abstract (We present a utilitarian review of the family of matrix groups $Sp(2n,\Re)$, in a form suited to various applications both in optics and quantum mechanics. We contrast these groups and their geometry with the much more familiar Euclidean and unitary geometries. Both the properties of finite group elements and of the Lie algebra are studied, and special attention is paid to the so-called unitary metaplectic representation of $Sp(2n,\Re)$. Global decomposition theorems, interesting subgroups and their generators are described. Turning to $n$-mode quantum systems, we define and study their variance matrices in general states, the implications of the Heisenberg uncertainty principles, and develop a U(n)-invariant squeezing criterion. The particular properties of Wigner distributions and Gaussian pure state wavefunctions under $Sp(2n,\Re)$ action are delineated.)Comment: Review article 43 pages, revtex, no figures, replaced because somefonts were giving problem in autometic ps generatio

Political Cartoons in the EFL and American Studies Classroom

Political cartoons are anything but innocent caricatures. They have been described as “a confrontational art form” (Oliphant 25), as “purposefully designed to elicit strong emotions and reactions from readers” (Long, Bunch, and Lloyd 651), and as “among the more extreme forms of expression” (Long, Bunch, and Lloyd 651). Stories abound with the harsh punishments endured by political cartoonists under oppressive regimes. One might even say that what allows liberal and conservative American cartoonists to feel any sense of solidarity with one another is their bond through the First Amendment and their belief in the democratic enterprise that is criticizing government