Transformation of Elliptical Polarization in a Layer of Absorbing Amorphous Polymer

Abstract

The transformation of elliptical polarization in a layer of azobenzene-containing amorphous polymer is calculated. The dependences of the Stokes parameters for the propagation of a light wave deep into the layer are obtained. It is shown that the light-induced change in absorption leads to a decrease in the ellipticity of the light wave, which, in turn, slows down the rotation of the polarization ellipse. The obtained results are important for optical writing of phase structures in polymers.