On a quasi-relativistic formula in polarization theory.

TLDR: In a pure operatorial (nonmatrix) Pauli algebraic approach, this Letter shows that the Poincaré vector of the light transmitted by a dichroic device can be expressed as function of the PoINCaré vectors of the incoming light and of the device by a composition law of the same kind as the composition law as the noncolinear relativistic velocities.

Abstract: In a pure operatorial (nonmatrix) Pauli algebraic approach, this Letter shows that the Poincare vector of the light transmitted by a dichroic device can be expressed as function of the Poincare vectors of the incoming light and of the device by a composition law of the same kind as the composition law of the noncolinear relativistic velocities. This is, in fact, a general law of composition for three-dimensional (3D) vectors remaining in the Poincare ball (where they have a group-like structure). The differences between this problem and that of the composition law of two dichroic devices are pointed out and justified.