Phase retarders (PRs) are space-variant waveplate elements which are usually utilized to generate radial and azimuthal polarization and find the polarization axis. So far, there have been mainly two types of phase retarders: half-wave phase retarder and quarter-wave phase retarder. Their principles are similar while functions are different. Some researchers may feel confused to make a choice between them. The present work aims to provide an engineering reference for choosing phase retarders with half-wave and quarter-wave retardation in practical applications. We make a comparison of the two types of PRs in both principles and applications to show their properties clearly.
Radial polarization (RP) and azimuthal polarization (AP) components in vector vortex beams own orthogonal polarization directions and are different in many functions. Thus, the splitting of AP and RP is required in detailed applications. This work presents to split a vector vortex beam into AP and RP by using a highly commercial S-waveplate. This approach is simple and the light losses are low. The configurations and principle of this approach are elaborated.
Radial polarization (RP) and azimuthal polarization (AP) of vector beams differ in many applications, and thus the splitting of the two polarization modes is highly required in many scenarios. Considering that there has been no specific and commercial device for RP/AP beam splitting, this work presents a simple and compact approach for the splitting by use of a commercial-access polarization axis finder (PAF). The configuration on how to implement the approach is elaborated.
Polarization purity is an important indicator for both radial polarization (RP) and azimuthal polarization (AP) beams. This work presents a simple and compact approach to measure the RP/AP purity. It is implemented by using a polarization axis finder (PAF) and two half-wave plates. This measurement approach is easy to implement and all of the involved devices are commercialized.
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