Jones Vector
Definition
A compact two-number label for a light wave's polarization — the math behind LCD screens and 3D glasses.
Technical definition
E = [E_x; E_y], a complex vector; optical elements act as 2×2 Jones matrices. Horizontal is [1;0], circular is [1;±i]/√2.
Example
An LCD pixel is a stack of Jones matrices — liquid crystals rotate the polarization vector to switch each subpixel on or off millions of times per second.
Common confusion
Jones vectors only describe fully polarized light. For partially polarized light like skylight you need Stokes vectors and Mueller matrices instead.