Stokes Parameters for the Superposition of Two Slightly Noncollinear Light Beams with Orthogonal Polarizations

This Demonstration shows the effect of the parameters , , on two superposed slightly noncollinear electromagnetic field beams with orthogonal polarizations. The polarization vectors of the beams are given by and , while their amplitude ratio is parametrized by . The spatially variable polarization state is given by the equation in terms of the great circle .