ZEMAX can model polarizing components based on birefringence or polarizing thin-film coatings exactly. Sometimes, however, a simpler method of entering polarizer data is useful. The Jones Matrix surface (for sequential rays) and Jones Matrix object (for non-sequential ray-tracing) allow a simple and fast way to enter a polarizing component.

Because the Jones matrix describes the polarizer in terms of Ex and Ey only, it should be used in collimated light at normal incidence. ZEMAX will handle non-normal and non-collimated rays, but must compute the Ez separately to keep the E vector orthogonal to the k vector, and care should be taken in interpreting the results.