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arXiv · 0710.4804

Singular polarimetry: Evolution of polarization singularities in electromagnetic waves propagating through a weakly anisotropic medium

K. Yu. Bliokh·A. Niv·V. Kleiner·E. Hasman
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Abstract

We describe the evolution of a paraxial electromagnetic wave characterizing by a non-uniform polarization distribution with singularities and propagating in a weakly anisotropic medium. Our approach is based on the Stokes vector evolution equation applied to a non-uniform initial polarization field. In the case of a homogeneous medium, this equation is integrated analytically. This yields a 3-dimensional distribution of the polarization parameters containing singularities, i.e. C-lines of circular polarization and L-surfaces of linear polarization. The general theory is applied to specific examples of the unfolding of a vectorial vortex in birefringent and dichroic media.

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K. Yu. Bliokh, A. Niv, V. Kleiner, E. Hasman. 2007-12-17. Singular polarimetry: Evolution of polarization singularities in electromagnetic waves propagating through a weakly anisotropic medium. https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.16.000695

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