Three-dimensional electric and magnetic polarization in random evanescent waves
Phys. Rev. A 113, 063525 – Published 22 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/bcrf-ccft
Abstract
We analyze the spectral three-dimensional (3D) polarimetric properties of the electric and magnetic fields in an evanescent wave created by a random stationary light beam undergoing total internal reflection. In particular, we compare the degrees of polarimetric purity, polarimetric dimensions, nonregularity properties, and spin-density vectors of the electric and magnetic fields and further assess the total spin angular momentum density. We show, e.g., that some properties are determined exclusively by the geometry and that in certain situations the polarization states of both fields can display a true 3D nonregular character. In addition, the electric and magnetic spin-density vectors generally consist of transverse and longitudinal components and possess a specific polarimetric structure for nonregular states.
