Generalized framework of weak-value amplification in path interference of polarized light for the enhancement of all possible polarization anisotropy effects

Abstract

Using the profound interferometric philosophy of weak value amplification, we propose a simple, general and a robust polarization method for the amplification and quantification of small magnitudes of all possible polarization anisotropy effects in a single experimental embodiment. The approach is experimentally realized by introducing a weak coupling between the polarization degree of freedom of light and the path degree of freedom in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer in the presence of a weak anisotropy effect. Real and imaginary weak value amplifications of different polarization anisotropy effects are manifested as characteristic changes in relevant Stokes vector elements at the exit port of the interferometer, which follow orthogonal trajectories in the Poincare sphere. The proof of concept experiment demonstrates that using this scheme, one can faithfully extract and quantify anisotropy parameter that is smaller than the typical sensitivity of measurement of a given Stokes parameter of a traditional polarimeter by a large weak value amplification factor. This opens up possibility of a sample measuring weak value polarimeter for studying rich variety of fundamental optical effects and for materials characterization and precision metrology.