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Stress engineering and the applications of inhomogeneously polarized optical fields

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Abstract

Spatial inhomogeneities in the polarization of a light field can show fascinating effects in focusing, propagation, illumination, and imaging. This paper provides examples of these effects and describes how deterministic stress on the periphery of an optical element can be used in fundamental studies of beam propagation, as well as applications such as polarimetry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA

    Thomas G. Brown

  2. Department of Engineering Physics, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3C 3A7, Canada

    Amber M. Beckley

Authors
  1. Thomas G. Brown
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  2. Amber M. Beckley
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Correspondence to Thomas G. Brown.

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Brown, T.G., Beckley, A.M. Stress engineering and the applications of inhomogeneously polarized optical fields. Front. Optoelectron. 6, 89–96 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12200-012-0307-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12200-012-0307-5

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