Polarization rotator

About: Polarization rotator is a(n) research topic. Over the lifetime, 5410 publication(s) have been published within this topic receiving 89885 citation(s).

Unified theory of coherence and polarization of random electromagnetic beams

Abstract: The usual treatment of polarization of randomly varying electromagnetic waves is based on the well-known Stokes parameter or, equivalently, on 2×2 coherence matrices (also called polarization matrices). Neither of them is adequate to elucidate the recently discovered changes of the state of polarization which a light beam may undergo as the beam propagates. We present a unified theory of coherence and polarization of random electromagnetic beams which brings out clearly the intimate relationship which exists between these two phenomena and which makes it possible to predict the changes in the state of polarization of a partially coherent electromagnetic beam on propagation. We illustrate the analysis by showing that a completely unpolarized beam may be spatially fully coherent.

Metasurface Polarization Optics: Independent Phase Control of Arbitrary Orthogonal States of Polarization.

Abstract: We present a method allowing for the imposition of two independent and arbitrary phase profiles on any pair of orthogonal states of polarization-linear, circular, or elliptical-relying only on simple, linearly birefringent wave plate elements arranged into metasurfaces. This stands in contrast to previous designs which could only address orthogonal linear, and to a limited extent, circular polarizations. Using this approach, we demonstrate chiral holograms characterized by fully independent far fields for each circular polarization and elliptical polarization beam splitters, both in the visible. This approach significantly expands the scope of metasurface polarization optics.

Focus shaping using cylindrical vector beams

Abstract: We report a focus shaping technique using generalized cylindrical vector beams. A generalized cylindrical vector beam can be decomposed into radially polarized and azimuthally polarized components. Such a generalized cylindrical beam can be generated from a radially polarized or an azimuthally polarized light using a two-half-wave-plate polarization rotator. The intensity pattern at the focus can be tailored by appropriately adjusting the rotation angle. Peak-centered, donut and flattop focal shapes can be obtained using this technique.

Linearly polarized light with axial symmetry generated by liquid-crystal polarization converters

Abstract: Novel liquid-crystal devices are described that generate linearly polarized light with axial symmetry; the beam propagation axis is the symmetry axis. Such light fields can be characterized by a polarization order number P. For example, P = 1 fields represent radially or azimuthally polarized light. The reorientation of the polarization orientation in these polarization converters is due to the twisted nematic effect and the effect of lambda/2 wave plates. A single polarization converter can generate fields of orders 1 and 2. It is shown that one can in principle generate fields of any integral order P by cascading such elements. Devices that generate P = 1 fields are achromatic and can be used as polarization axis finders or as versatile tools for studying birefringent or polarizing materials.