Imaging optical singularities: Understanding the duality of C-points and optical vortices

Enrique J. Galvez; Brett L. Rojec; Kevin R. McCullough

doi:10.1117/12.2005880

5 March 2013 Imaging optical singularities: Understanding the duality of C-points and optical vortices

Enrique J. Galvez, Brett L. Rojec, Kevin R. McCullough

Proceedings Volume 8637, Complex Light and Optical Forces VII; 863706 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2005880
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2013, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We image optical singularities by exploiting the connection between scalar and vector fields. We examine the sensitivity of optical vortices to perturbations and suggest a method of study via imaging polarimetry of the optical field. This is possible by converting optical vortices to polarization-singularity C-points. We present the deliberate creation of C-points using a superposition of two circularly polarized beams of opposite helicity, with a phase vortex in one and a planar wavefront in the other. We present a theoretical analysis and measurements of the transformation of C-points from lemon to star, going through the monstar stage. We do this by varying the phase gradient of the optical vortex.

Citation Download Citation

Enrique J. Galvez, Brett L. Rojec, and Kevin R. McCullough "Imaging optical singularities: Understanding the duality of C-points and optical vortices", Proc. SPIE 8637, Complex Light and Optical Forces VII, 863706 (5 March 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2005880

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