Speaker
Description
Polarization mapping refers to the process of measuring and visualizing the spatial distribution of the polarization state across a light beam. It reveals how the polarization varies from point to point in space showing, e.g., regions with radial, azimuthal, or elliptical polarization [1-3]. Polarization mapping is essential in analyzing vector beams, structured light, and beams with spatially varying polarization such as those produced by q-plates or metasurfaces. It typically involves elements like rotating polarizers, wave plates, and imaging detectors to reconstruct the Stokes parameters or polarization ellipses across the beam profile.
In this work, however, we report a method for parallel determination (mapping) of the polarization change introduced by an unknown optical element using arrays of linearly polarized Gaussian beams. More precisely, we present an experimental technique for polarization mapping of birefringent elements generating polarization vortices, such as vortex retarders. The approach is applicable also for clear determination of the polarization response of spatial light modulators. Experimental data will be presented and discussed, focusing on benefits and the limitations of the demonstrated approach.
We acknowledge funding of the Bulgarian National Science Fund (project KΠ-06-H78/6). The work was also supported by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science as a part of National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure, project ELI ERIC BG and by the European Regional Development Fund under "Research Innovation and Digitization for Smart Transformation" program 2021-2027 under the Project BG16RFPR002-1.014-0006 "National Centre of Excellence Mechatronics and Clean Technologies". L.S. and A.D. were also supported by the European Union NextGenerationEU through the “National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, project BG-RRP-2.004-0008-C01”.
REFERENCES
[1] X.Wang, F. Yang, J. Yin, “Mapping the polarization distribution of arbitrary vector polarization beam”, Optik, 144, 124-131, (2017).
[2] B. Schaefer, E. Collett, R. Smyth, D. Barrett, B. Fraher, “Measuring the Stokes polarization parameters” Am. J. Phys.75 (2), 163–168 (2007)
[3] J. Yang, D. Lin, D. Bao, S.Tao, “Pixel level control of amplitude, phase, and polarization of an arbitrary vector beam” Appl. Phys. Lett., 121 (19), (2022).
