Showing papers by "Ignacio Moreno published in 2017"

Vector Beam Polarization State Spectrum Analyzer.

Abstract: We present a proof of concept for a vector beam polarization state spectrum analyzer based on the combination of a polarization diffraction grating (PDG) and an encoded harmonic q-plate grating (QPG) As a result, a two-dimensional polarization diffraction grating is formed that generates six different q-plate channels with topological charges from -3 to +3 in the horizontal direction, and each is split in the vertical direction into the six polarization channels at the cardinal points of the corresponding higher-order Poincare sphere Consequently, 36 different channels are generated in parallel This special polarization diffractive element is experimentally demonstrated using a single phase-only spatial light modulator in a reflective optical architecture Finally, we show that this system can be used as a vector beam polarization state spectrum analyzer, where both the topological charge and the state of polarization of an input vector beam can be simultaneously determined in a single experiment We expect that these results would be useful for applications in optical communications

Arithmetic with q-plates.

Abstract: In this work we show the capability to form various q-plate equivalent systems using combinations of commercially available q-plates. We show operations like changing the sign of the q-value, or the addition and subtraction of q-plates. These operations only require simple combinations of q-plates and half-wave plates. Experimental results are presented in all cases. Following this procedure, experimental testing of higher and negative q-valued devices can be carried out using commonly available q-valued devices.

Polarization gating based on Mueller matrices

Abstract: We present mathematical formulas generalizing polarization gating (PG) techniques. PG refers to a collection of imaging methods based on the combination of different controlled polarization channels. In particular, we show how using the measured Mueller matrix (MM) of a sample, a widespread number of PG configurations can be evaluated just from analytical expressions based on the MM coefficients. We also show the interest of controlling the helicity of the states of polarization used for PG-based metrology, as this parameter has an impact in the image contrast of samples. In addition, we highlight the interest of combining PG techniques with tools of data analysis related to the MM formalism, such as the well-known MM decompositions. The method discussed in this work is illustrated with the results of polarimetric measurements done on artificial phantoms and real ex-vivo tissues.

Vortex beam generation and other advanced optics experiments reproduced with a twisted-nematic liquid-crystal display with limited phase modulation

Abstract: In this work we propose the use of twisted-nematic liquid-crystal spatial light modulators (TN-LC-SLM) as a useful tool for training students in the manipulation of light beams with phase-only masks. In particular, we focus the work on the realization of phase-only gratings and phase-only spiral phases for the generation of vortex beams, beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Despite the extensive activity in this field, its experimental implementation for educational purposes is limited because it requires the use of very expensive high-resolution liquid-crystal on silicon (LCOS) SLMs. Here, we show that a low-cost experimental implementation can be done with older TNLC technology. However, these devices, intended for display applications, exhibit rather limited optical phase modulation properties in comparison with modern LCOS devices, such as a very low range of phase modulation and a general coupled intensity modulation. However, we show that a precise characterization of their retardance parameters permits their operation in useful modulation configurations. As examples, we include one continuous phase-only configuration useful for reproducing the optimal triplicator phase grating, and a binary π-phase modulation. We include experiments with the realization of different phase diffraction gratings, and their combination with spiral phase patterns and lens functions to generate a variety of vortex beams.

Quantitative performance of a polarization diffraction grating polarimeter encoded onto two liquid-crystal-on-silicon displays

Abstract: We present a quantitative analysis of the performance of a complete snapshot polarimeter based on a polarization diffraction grating (PDGr). The PDGr is generated in a common path polarization interferometer with a Z optical architecture that uses two liquid-crystal on silicon (LCoS) displays to imprint two different phase-only diffraction gratings onto two orthogonal linear states of polarization. As a result, we obtain a programmable PDGr capable to act as a simultaneous polarization state generator (PSG), yielding diffraction orders with different states of polarization. The same system is also shown to operate as a polarization state analyzer (PSA), therefore useful for the realization of a snapshot polarimeter. We analyze its performance using quantitative metrics such as the conditional number, and verify its reliability for the detection of states of polarization.

Dual polarization split lenses.

Abstract: We report the realization of polarization sensitive split lens configurations. While split lenses can be used to easily generate different types of controlled structured light patterns, their realization has been limited so far to scalar beams. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate their generalization to vectorial split lenses, leading to light patterns with customized intensity and state of polarization. We demonstrate how these polarization split lenses can be experimentally implemented by means of an optical system using two liquid crystal spatial light modulators, each one phase modulating one orthogonal polarization component. As a result, we demonstrate the experimental generation of vectorial beams with different shapes generated with these dual polarization split lenses. Excellent experimental results are provided in each case. The proposed technique is a simple method to generate structured light beams with polarization diversity, with potential applications in polarimetry, customized illuminators or quantum optics.

Solc filters in a reflective geometry

Abstract: We present the realization of a bulk optics birefringent Solc filter in a reflective geometry. This geometry reduces by half the number of required retarders, ensures the same spectral retardance function in pairs of retarders, and helps to make more compact filters. The key element is a quarter-wave Fresnel rhomb located in between the set of retarders and a mirror. Two cases are considered: the first Solc filter uses multiple-order quartz retarders, and the second one uses two liquid-crystal retarders. The latter has the advantage of being tunable via an applied voltage. Experimental results show how to filter the spectral content of a supercontinuum laser.

On-axis programmable microscope using liquid crystal spatial light modulator

Abstract: Spatial light modulators (SLM) are currently used in many applications in optical microscopy and imaging. One of the most promising methods is the use of liquid crystal displays (LCD) as programmable phase diffractive optical elements (DOE) placed in the Fourier plane giving access to the spatial frequencies which can be phased shifted individually, allowing to emulate a wealth of contrast enhancing methods for both amplitude and phase samples. We use phase and polarization modulation of LCD to implement an on-axis microscope optical system. The LCD used are Hamamatsu liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) SLM free of flicker, thus showing a full profit of the SLM space bandwidth, as opposed to optical systems in the literature forced to work off-axis due to the strong zero-order component. Taking benefits of the phase modulation of the LCOS we have implemented different microscopic imaging operations, such as high-pass and low-pass filtering in parallel using programmable blazed gratings. Moreover, we are able to control polarization modulation to display two orthogonal linear state of polarization images than can be subtracted or added by changing the period of the blazed grating. In that sense, Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy can be easily done by generating two images exploiting the polarization splitting properties when a blazed grating is displayed in the SLM. Biological microscopy samples are also used.

New key based on tilted lenses for optical encryption

Abstract: A novel concept based on tilted spherical lenses for optical encryption using Lohmann’s type I systems is presented. The tilt angle of the spherical lenses is used as an encrypted key and the decryption performance is studied both qualitatively (visual image degradation) and quantitatively (mean squared error analysis) by numerical simulations. The paper presents a general mathematical framework in virtue of the dioptric power matrix formalism and oblique central refraction used in the optometry field. Computer simulations show that image information cannot be retrieved after a few degrees of tilt on both spherical lenses in the encryption system. In addition, a preliminary experiment is presented, considering a hybrid encryption/decryption process where the image is numerically encrypted but optically decrypted. The tilt in the lenses should be understood as a complementary key to the classical encryption/decryption process to increase the security.

Multichannel polarization imaging with a polarizing diffraction grating

Abstract: We present an experimental multichannel polarization imaging system based on a polarization diffraction grating (PDG). The PDG simultaneously creates six diffraction orders, each having a different polarization state. For this proof-of-concept experiment, we encoded the PDG onto a parallel-aligned liquid-crystal spatial light modulator (LCSLM), using a double-pass optical architecture. We use a birefringent object where the top is covered with a retardation film and the bottom is isotropic. We show experimental results, where we simultaneously produce six images of this birefringent object, each with a different polarization state. The proposed technique can produce a single-shot imaging polarimeter.