Use Table 8.6 to derive a Mueller matrix for a half-wave plate having a vertical fast axis. Utilize your result to convert an R-state into an L-state. Verify that the same wave plate will convert an L- to an R-state. Advancing or retarding the relative phase by π/2 should have the same effect. Check this by deriving the matrix for a half-wave plate with a horizontal fast axis.

Table 8.6

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Mueller matrix Linear optical element Jones matrix Horizontal line ar 2 0 0 polarizer 0. -1 -1 Vertical linear polarizer 2. 0. 1. 1 0 0 Linear polarizer at +45° 210 -1 Linear polarizer at -45° -1 Г1 Quarter-wave plate, -1 fast axis vertical 1 1 Quarter-wave plate, fast axis horizontal -1 1 Homogeneous circular polarizer right 2 0 0 1 -1 Homogeneous circular polarizer left