System and method converting the polarization state of an optical beam into an inhomogeneously polarized state
US7414786B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/0092
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for converting the polarization state of an optical beam which propagates along a path from an initial polarization state into an inhomogeneous polarization state includes a first isotropic material and a first anisotropic material. The first anisotropic material is positioned adjacent to the first isotropic material in a substantially transverse manner relative to the path of the optical beam. The first anisotropic material has a first alignment axis that produces one of a radially, azimuthally, and counter-rotationally polarized optical beam when substantially aligned with respect to a polarization axis of the optical beam.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.