Single-shot birefringence measurement using radial polarizer fabricated by direct atomic force microscope stroking method

Abstract

We describe a single-shot birefringence measurement using a radial polarizer fabricated by a direct atomic force microscope nano-stroking method. A radial polarizer, which converts linearly polarized light into radial polarized light, was prepared by radially aligning liquid crystal molecules in a 150 × 150 µm2 region. The birefringence of a calibrated sample is measured by performing image analysis of the sample illuminated by radial polarized light. The measured retardation and the azimuth angle of the calibrated sample almost agreed with the setting values. This method is effective for measuring a temporal change in birefringence.