  It is shown that the two-by-two Jones-matrix formalism for polarization
optics is a six-parameter two-by-two representation of the Lorentz group. The
attenuation and phase-shift filters are represented respectively by the
three-parameter rotation subgroup and the three-parameter Lorentz group for two
spatial and one time dimensions. It is noted that the Lorentz group has another
three-parameter subgroup which is like the two-dimensional Euclidean group.
Possible optical filters having this Euclidean symmetry are discussed in
detail. It is shown also that the Jones-matrix formalism can be extended to
some of the non-orthogonal polarization coordinate systems within the framework
of the Lorentz-group representation.

Optics;Condensed Matter;High Energy Physics - Theory