Classical and quantum properties of cylindrically polarized states of light

Holleczek A, Aiello A, Gabriel C, Marquardt C, Leuchs G (2011)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Journal

Optics Express Optical Society of America

Book Volume: 19

Pages Range: 9714-9736

Journal Issue: 10

DOI: 10.1364/OE.19.009714

Abstract

We investigate theoretical properties of beams of light with non-uniform polarization patterns. Specifically, we determine all possible configurations of cylindrically polarized modes (CPMs) of the electromagnetic field, calculate their total angular momentum and highlight the subtleties of their structure. Furthermore, a hybrid spatio-polarization description for such modes is introduced and developed. In particular, two independent Poincaré spheres have been introduced to represent simultaneously the polarization and spatial degree of freedom of CPMs. Possible mode-to-mode transformations accomplishable with the help of Bconventional polarization and spatial phase retarders are shown within this representation. Moreover, the importance of these CPMs in the quantum optics domain due to their classical features is highlighted. © 2011 Optical Society of America.

Authors with CRIS profile

Andrea Aiello
Christoph Marquardt Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik (Optik) Gerhard Leuchs

Involved external institutions

Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Holleczek, A., Aiello, A., Gabriel, C., Marquardt, C., & Leuchs, G. (2011). Classical and quantum properties of cylindrically polarized states of light. Optics Express, 19(10), 9714-9736. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.19.009714

MLA:

Holleczek, Annemarie, et al. "Classical and quantum properties of cylindrically polarized states of light." Optics Express 19.10 (2011): 9714-9736.

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