Open AccessStress-induced focal splitting
Author(s) -
Alexis K. Spilman,
Thomas G. Brown
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.15.008411
Subject(s) - optics , birefringence , circular polarization , concentric , polarization (electrochemistry) , materials science , physics , focus (optics) , geometry , chemistry , mathematics , microstrip
Under circularly polarized illumination, a trigonal birefringence pattern produces concentric rings of alternating right and left circular polarization. When a window with trigonal stress is placed in the pupil of an imaging system, the birefringence induces an axial splitting of the focus. We analyze and experimentally test this phenomenon and discuss applications to optical imaging.