Simultaneous detection of polarization states and wavefront by an angular variant micro-retarder-lens array

Abstract

We have demonstrated simultaneous detection of the polarization states and wavefront of light using a 7 × 7 array of angular variant micro-retarder-lenses. Manipulating the angular variant polarization with our optical element allows us to determine the two-dimensional distribution of polarization states. We have also proposed a calibration method for polarization measurements using our micro-retarder-lens array, allowing accurate detection of polarization states with an ellipticity of ± 0.01 and an azimuth of ± 1.0°. We made wavefront measurements using the micro-retarder-lens array, achieving a resolution of 25 nm. We conducted simultaneous detection of the polarization states and wavefront on four types of structured beam as samples. The results show that the two-dimensional distributions of the polarization states and wavefront for the four types of structured light are radially and azimuthally polarized beams, as well as left- and right-hand optical vortices. Our sensing technology has the potential to enhance our understanding of the nature of light in the fields of laser sciences, astrophysics, and even ophthalmology.