Abstract
We review the use of a parallel aligned nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator as a very useful and flexible device for polarimetric and interferometric applications. The device acts as a programmable pixelated waveplate, and the encoding of a linear grating permits its use as a polarization beam splitter. When a grating with a reduced period is encoded, the diffracted beams are spatially separated and the device can be used for polarimetric analysis. On the contrary when a large period grating is displayed, the beams are not spatially separated, and they are useful to realize a common path interferometric system with polarization sensitivity. The flexibility offered by the programmability of the display allows non-conventional uses, including the analysis of light beams with structured spatial polarizations.
Highlights
Polarization diffraction gratings (PDG) are diffraction gratings based on creating a periodic spatial change of the state of polarization of an incident beam of light
Some initial efforts concentrated in the study and characterization of the properties of these gratings [1], but was Gori’s proposal [2] of a PDG constructed from a series of rotating polarizers with continuous polarization gratings, that led to the identification of its potential use as elements for polarimetric analysis
The device acts as a programmable pixelated waveplate, and the encoding of a linear grating permits its use as a polarization beam splitter
Summary
Polarization diffraction gratings (PDG) are diffraction gratings based on creating a periodic spatial change of the state of polarization of an incident beam of light. Different PDG designs have been proposed [3,4]. Their experimental realization can be done in two ways: 1) by means of polarization subwavelength gratings with spatial variation [5], or 2) by means of liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LCSLM). We review our work devoted to the realization of PDG with a parallel aligned liquid crystal display (PAL-LCSLM), including examples useful for polarimetry and interferometry
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
