Waveplate

About: Waveplate is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4208 publications have been published within this topic receiving 46029 citations. The topic is also known as: Wave plate.

Two-dimensional polarization encoding with a phase-only liquid-crystal spatial light modulator

Abstract: We show how to two dimensionally encode the polarization state of an incident light beam using a parallel-aligned liquid-crystal spatial light modulator (LCSLM). Each pixel of the LCSLM acts as a voltage-controlled wave plate and can be programmed over a 2pi phase range at a wavelength of 514.5 nm. Techniques are reviewed for either rotating the major axis of elliptically polarized light or for converting an input linearly polarized beam into an arbitrary elliptically polarized beam. Experimental results are demonstrated in which we generate various two-dimensional spatial patterns of polarized light. Several potential applications are suggested. We also report an unexpected edge-enhancement effect that might be useful in image processing applications.

Miniature plasmonic wave plates

Abstract: Linear birefringence, as implemented in wave plates, is a natural way to control the state of polarization of light. We report on a general method for designing miniature planar wave plates using surface plasmons. The resonant optical device considered here is a single circular aperture surrounded by an elliptical antenna grating. The difference between the short and long axis of each ellipsis introduces a phase shift on the surface plasmons which enables the realization of a quarter wave plate. Furthermore, the experimental results and the theoretical analysis show that the general procedure used does not influence the optical coherence of the polarization state and allows us to explore completely the surface of the unit Poincare sphere by changing only the shape of the elliptical grating.

Simple high efficiency optical coherence domain reflectometer design

Abstract: The present invention discloses simple and yet highly efficient configurations of optical coherence domain reflectometry systems. The combined use of a polarizing beam splitter (614a) with one or two polarization manipulator(s) (634a and 646) (e.g. a Faraday rotator or a quarter wave plate) that rotate the returned light wave polarization to an orthogonal direction, enables one to achieve high optical power delivery efficiency as well as fixed or predetermined output polarization state of the interfering light waves reaching a detector (652a) or detector array, which is especially beneficial for spectral domain optical coherence tomography. In addition, the system can be made insensitive to polarization fading resulting from the birefringence change in the sample (620a) and reference (622a) arms. Dispersion matching can also be easily achieved between the sample and the reference arm for high resolution longitudinal scanning.

Full color three-dimensional flat panel display

Abstract: A full color liquid crystal flat panel display having a step waveplate (22) provides one-quarter and three-quarter wave phase retardation to alternating rows (24, 26) which provide left and right views. The resulting right and left views are circular polarized in opposite directions which to a viewer wearing circularly polarized glasses (23) provides the left and right views to the appropriate eye such that the viewer is able to see full color three-dimensional images.

Efficient optical system for a high resolution projection display employing reflection light valves

Abstract: An optical system is described consisting of reflection birefringent light valves, polarizing beam splitter, color image combining prisms, illumination system, projection lens, filters for color and contrast control, and screen placed in a configuration offering advantages for a high resolution color display. The system includes a quarter wave plate positioned to suppress stray reflection from the projection lens. The system also includes a second quarter wave plate disposed on the screen and a polarizing film disposed on the second quarter wave plate to suppress ambient light from illuminating the screen and entering the system.