Open AccessDetermining elliptical polarization of light from rotation of calcite crystals
Author(s) -
Catherine M. Herne,
Natalie A. Cartwright,
Matthew T. Cattani
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.25.010044
Subject(s) - calcite , optics , birefringence , polarization (electrochemistry) , materials science , elliptical polarization , linear polarization , circular polarization , laser , rotation (mathematics) , physics , mineralogy , geology , chemistry , geometry , microstrip , mathematics
This paper demonstrates the non-uniform circular rotation of calcite crystals in an elliptically polarized laser mode. Birefringent calcite crystals respond in predictable ways to polarization. A laser mode with high ellipticity (approaching circular polarization) causes a calcite crystal to rotate at a higher rate than that with a low ellipticity (approaching linear polarization). The polarization orientation of the laser mode also directly affects the instantaneous crystal rotation. We place calcite crystals in a trapping region, and observe their behavior under different polarization modes. Measurements of rotation rates, orientation, and motion of calcite crystals are made by synchronizing information from video images and a quadrant photodiode. These measurements are then compared with predicted values.