College Physics ›› 2026, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (08): 10-.doi: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.250730

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Design and implementation of an interactive Poincaré sphere polarization #br# optics teaching system for university physics teaching#br#

ZHOU Hongqiang, MU Cunqi, WANG Yuhan, MAN Tianlong, WAN Yuhong   

  1. School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
  • Received:2025-12-19 Accepted:2026-01-14 Online:2026-10-10 Published:2026-10-17

Abstract: "Optics" is one of the core courses for applied physics majors. Its syllabus explicitly requires students to master the basic phenomena, principles, and laws of polarized light. However, the abstract mathematical description of polarization states poses challenges to teaching and understanding. This paper develops a Pythonbased Poincaré sphere polarization state visualization and analysis system. Through interactive 3D visualization technology, it converts theoretical models such as Jones vectors and Stokes parameters into dynamic, manipulable geometric representations. The system supports singlepoint polarization state mapping, double polarization state coherent superposition calculation, realtime parameter analysis, and interactive 3D display, effectively enhancing the pedagogical intuitiveness and analytical efficiency of polarization optics. This system not only provides a visualization tool system for theoretical teaching but also offers a practical simulation platform for the research and engineering applications of polarization optics.


Key words: polarization, Poincaré sphere, visualization, physics teaching