Abstract: An apparatus and accompanying method to measure fiber twist. The method includes independent determination of fiber bending by measuring strain sensing in outer cores of the same fiber. The apparatus includes a multi-core optical fiber comprising a center core and a plurality of peripheral cores at a distance radially from the center core and running parallel to the center core. The center core includes at least one fiber Bragg grating with polarization-dependent reflectivity. The fiber Bragg grating reflects the launched light as reflected light. The apparatus includes a multi-core optical fiber bend sensing system operable to communicate with the multi-core optical fiber. The multi-core optical fiber bend sensing system is operable to sense a bend in the multi-core optical fiber. The apparatus includes a processor operable to communicate with the polarization controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical trapping particle including a birefringent crystalline particle having a body and a length extending between a first end and a second end, said particle comprising an optic axis perpendicular to the length of the body, wherein the length of the body is greater than the largest width dimension of the first or second ends. The present invention also relates to an optical trapping particle including an optically isotropic particle having a body and a length extending between a first end and a second end, said particle having an asymmetric cross-section, wherein the length of the body is from about 10 nanometers to about 10 micrometers and is greater than the largest width dimension of the first or second ends. Angular optical trap systems including the optical trapping particles, methods of making, and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minute measuring instrument for high speed and large area and a method thereof, and more particularly, to a minute measuring instrument for high speed and large area which measures properties of a specimen in high speed by a focused-beam ellipsometric part and then minutely remeasures the position showing a singular point by a minute measuring part and a method thereof.

Abstract: A system comprises a laser configured to produce a laser beam and to be optically coupled to a first end of an optical fiber of a device under test, a phase mask configured to selectively pass one of a plurality of modes and to be optically coupled to a second end of the optical fiber of the device under test, and a detector optically coupled to the phase mask and configured to determine an intensity of the beam received over the optical connection from the phase mask. The system may further comprise a data analyzer connected to the detector and in selective communication with the phase mask, wherein the data analyzer is configured to set the phase mask to selectively pass a fundamental mode, set the phase mask to selectively pass a higher order mode, receive intensity data from the detector, and determine a performance in the form of at least one performance factor for said device under test according to said intensity data.

Abstract: A device (2) for evaluating the state of wetting of a surface (8) includes an emitter (4) emitting a beam (F, F1, F2) which is incident in the direction of the surface (8) and a single element (12) for receiving the beam reflected by the surface (8). The device includes: A polarization (10, 13, 14) including a first polarization zone (13) and a second polarization zone (14) designed to polarize a first part (F1) and a second part (F2) of the beam in a first and a second polarization direction; and a evaluation element (28) for calculating a polarization ratio between the polarizations of the first part of the reflected beam and the second part of the reflected beam to evaluate the state of wetting of the surface (8). Also described is an evaluation process and an associated indicator device.

Abstract: An LC-based optical device compensates for differences in optical path lengths of polarization components of input beam. As a result, PDL and PMD of the optical device are reduced. The compensation mechanism may be a glass plate that is disposed in an optical path of a polarization component so that the optical path length of that polarization component can be made substantially equal to the optical path length of the other polarization component that traverses through a half-wave plate. Another compensation mechanism is a birefringent displacer that has two sections sandwiching a half-wave plate, wherein the two sections are of different widths and the planar front surface of the birefringent displacer can be positioned to be non-orthogonal with respect to the incident input light beam.

Abstract: A method of controlling a light beam in an optical system includes a light source that directs a collimated light beam along a path, through a sample, and toward the active area of a stationary detector. The method includes the step selectively moving a lens into the path of the light beam for spreading the beam in instances where the path of the beam is altered by the sample between the source and the stationary detector The detector, therefore, is held stationary. Adjustment means are provided for increasing the intensity characteristic of the light that reaches the detector to account for a decrease in intensity that occurs when the lens is in the path of the light beam to spread the beam.

Abstract: A method for optically examining a birefringent specimen, the method comprising the steps of: collecting a specimen using a substantially non-birefringent polymer film having an adhesive surface, such that the specimen is attached to the adhesive surface; and examining, between crossed polars, the specimen attached to the said film. Also provided is a substantially non-birefringent laminate film comprising: a first birefringent polymer layer and a second birefringent polymer layer, the first and second layers being mutually oriented such that the birefringent properties of the two layers cancel each other out; and an adhesive surface; wherein the adhesive surface is an outer surface of the film, and/or is an exposable surface between the first and second layers. A method of manufacturing such a film is also provided.

Abstract: A surface position detection apparatus capable of highly precisely detecting the surface position of a surface to be detected without substantially being affected by relative positional displacement due to a polarization component occurring in a light flux having passed through a reflective surface. In the apparatus, a projection system has a projection side prism member (7) having first reflective surfaces (7b, 7c), and a light receiving system has a light receiving prism member (8) having second reflective surfaces (8b, 8c) arranged in correspondence with the projection side prism member.

Abstract: An optical position measuring instrument including a scanning plate and a scale, wherein the scale and the scanning plate are movable relative to one another. The optical position measuring instrument including a grating and a light source that emits a beam toward the grating, wherein the grating receives the beam and splits the beam into two partial beams with orthogonal polarization states. The optical position measuring instrument including a polarizer being arranged in beam paths of the two partial beams, wherein the polarizer has a structure to generate polarization effects on the two partial beam striking the polarizer that are periodically variable, wherein a polarization period of the periodically variable polarization effects is greater than a graduation period of the grating. The two partial beams being reunified into a resultant beam. A detection unit that receives the resultant beam and generates a plurality of displacement-dependent scanning signals.

Abstract: Provided is an unevenness detecting apparatus comprising a determining section that determines a polarization state of returned light obtained from radiated light; an uneven portion judging section that judges whether an uneven portion is present based on the polarization state determined by the determining section; a convex/concave identifying section that identifies whether the uneven portion is convex or concave based on image data, captured by an image capturing element, of the uneven portion; and an output section that outputs information identifying whether the uneven portion is convex or concave.

Abstract: A method measuring the birefringence of an object. A measurement beam having a defined input polarization state is generated, the measurement beam being directed onto the object. Polarization properties of the measurement beam after interaction with the object are detected in order to generate polarization measurement values representing an output polarization state of the measurement beam after interaction with the object. The input polarization state of the measurement beam is modulated into at least four different measurement states in accordance with a periodic modulation function of an angle parameter ?, and the polarization measurement values associated with the at least four measurement states are processed to form a measurement function dependent on the angle parameter ?. A two-wave portion of the measurement function is determined and analysed in order to derive at least one birefringence parameter describing the birefringence, preferably by double Fourier transformation of the measurement function.

Abstract: A treatment pattern (such as a focused spot, an image, or an interferogram) projected on a treatment target may lose precision if the treatment beam must pass through a birefringent layer before reaching the target. In the general case, the birefringent layer splits the treatment beam into ordinary and extraordinary components, which propagate in different directions and form two patterns, displaced from each other, at the target layer. The degree of birefringence and the orientation of the optic axis, which influence the amount of displacement, often vary between workpieces or between loci on the same workpiece. This invention measures the orientation of the optic axis and uses the data to adjust the treatment beam incidence direction, the treatment beam polarization, or both to superpose the ordinary and extraordinary components into a single treatment pattern at the target, preventing the birefringent layer from causing the pattern to be blurred or doubled.

Abstract: A method for measuring and monitoring the state of polarization (SOP) of a polarization maintaining (PM) fiber using a narrowband fiber Bragg grating (FBG) written on the same is provided. The PM fiber comprises a first narrowband reference FBG which is used as a reference to measure and monitor the SOP of the PM fiber. Due to the birefringence properties of the PM fiber, the reference FBG typically reflects two narrowband spectra, each having a central wavelength; one in the slow axis and one in the fast axis. By measuring the intensity of the reflected spectra in each axis and by tuning the fiber with a polarization controller, it is possible to adjust the fiber to a predetermined SOP. Accurate measures of optical properties (e.g. reflectivity) of optical devices (e.g. a FBG grating), according to the predetermined SOP, are possible.

Abstract: A variety of toy polariscopes are simpler in design and less costly than precision instruments used in scientific research and stress analysis of materials and structures. The toy polariscopes are designed for a variety of objects that may exhibit photoelastic properties such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas, gel candle material and other gels, and even edible photoelastic objects. They are specially designed for objects of various sizes with a variety of purposes such as objects to enhance learning in a variety of conditions and experiences. Special objects are designed to go with the toy polariscopes such as edible and inedible photoelastic objects, photoelastic candle material, a variety of photoelastic/photoplastic stands capable of a variety of displays in interaction with other designed photoelastic objects capable of a variety of interaction and displays. Other optical phenomena may also be observed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display unit (100) of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel (20) in which an optical sensor for detecting the intensity of light entered from a front side thereof is incorporated, a backlight (10) that emits light onto the liquid crystal panel (20) from a rear side, and a polarizing reflection plate (50) that is disposed between the liquid crystal panel (20) and a front side polarizing plate (40a) so as to transmit a component of light emitted from the backlight (10) and transmitted through the liquid crystal panel (20) that oscillates in a direction parallel to the transmission axis of the front side polarizing plate (40a), and to reflect a component of the light that oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the transmission axis.

Abstract: A treatment pattern (such as a focused spot, an image, or an interferogram) projected on a treatment target may lose precision if the treatment beam must pass through a birefringent layer before reaching the target. In the general case, the birefringent layer splits the treatment beam into ordinary and extraordinary components, which propagate in different directions and form two patterns, displaced from each other, at the target layer. The degree of birefringence and the orientation of the optic axis, which influence the amount of displacement, often vary between workpieces or between loci on the same workpiece. This invention measures the orientation of the optic axis and uses the data to adjust the treatment beam incidence direction, the treatment beam polarization, or both to superpose the ordinary and extraordinary components into a single treatment pattern at the target, preventing the birefringent layer from causing the pattern to be blurred or doubled.

Abstract: The image display apparatus includes a two-dimensional light modulation device for modulating light emitted from a laser light source, a display surface for displaying the modulated light, an optical pixel aperture enlarging member for distributing the luminance of the laser light while introducing the laser light to apertures of pixels of the modulation device; and a display pixel aperture enlarging portion for optically enlarging the modulated light by the apertures of the pixels of the modulation device corresponding to pixels of an image to be displayed. The luminance of a partial area of each pixel of the image displayed on the display surface is controlled to be below the threefold of an average value of the luminance in the area of the entire pixel by the optical pixel aperture enlarging member and the display pixel aperture enlarging portion, accomplishing speckle noise reduction and improved light utilization efficiency.

Abstract: A system, method of configuring, and application a system for introducing a relative phase retardation into orthogonally polarized components of an electromagnetic beam entered thereinto, wherein the system involves a substantially achromatic multiple element retarder system for use in wide spectral range (for example, 190-1700 nm) rotating compensator spectroscopic ellipsometer and/or polarimeter systems.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for characterizing linear retarders using a waveplate analyzer constructed by polarization rotators. In one implementation of such an analyzer, both the retardation of the waveplate sample and the orientation of optical axis of the waveplate sample can be simultaneously measured.

Abstract: To provide a method for detecting the equatorial plane, capable of detecting directly an equatorial plane that has the optical axis as the axis thereof, in a spherical optically uniaxial crystal. The method for detecting the equatorial plane as set forth in a first form of the present invention is a method for detecting an equatorial plane of a spherical member made from a single crystal of an optically uniaxial crystal having birefringence, comprising: a step for causing light to be incident on the spherical member through a polarizer; and a step for observing the isogyre that is structured by the light that is emitted from the spherical member through an analyzer that has a cross-nicol relationship with the polarizer; wherein the isogyre is an isogyre that is observed when the oscillating direction of the polarizer or the analyzer is near to parallel with the optical axis of the spherical member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring object characteristics, wherein the method is capable of overcoming the interference induced bye the phase difference of the background with respect to the measuring system so as to measure the tiny characteristics such as the retardance or azimuth angle of an object accurately. The method is capable of obtaining two sets of light intensity images having retardance of background and the object respectively by simultaneously rotating the retarding elements and analyzer in various rotating angle combinations, and analyzing and calculating upon the polarized light intensities of the images associated with the background and the object so as to obtain actual retardance and azimuth angle of the object without the affect of the background retardance.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a color filter including a substrate, and at least three color pixels disposed thereon, the method includes determining an oblique visibility of a liquid crystal display device equipped with the color filter on the basis of value ?1 obtained from the equation (1): ?1=?ab?(?)·T(?)d???(1) wherein “a” and “b” are values respectively representing a wavelength range of a continuous wavelength light and satisfying conditions of 380?a, b?780 and a<b; ?(?) represents an optical retardation obtained by irradiating each of color pixels with a continuous wavelength light containing light components with wavelength ? falling within a range of 380 nm to 780 nm at an incident angle, and subjecting the transmitted light to measurement using a spectroscopic ellipsometer, and T(?) represents a spectral transmittance of the color pixels measured at the wavelength ? falling within a range of 380 nm-780 nm.

Abstract: A compact, background-free, balanced cross-correlator enables (a) the detection of a timing error between two ultrashort pulses with (sub-)femtosecond resolution and (b) the timing synchronization of ultrashort pulse lasers using the output signal of the detector to close a phase-locked loop and can therefore serve as an integral part of femtosecond timing distribution and synchronization systems.

Abstract: A Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer for operation in the mid- and long-wave infrared region (about 2-15 micron wavelengths) is disclosed. The FTIR spectrometer is composed of IR-transmitting fiber and uses a broadband IR source. A fiber stretcher is provided to provide a path difference between a first path and a second path having a sample associated therewith. Stretching of the fiber provides a path difference sufficient to generate an interferogram that can subsequently be analyzed to obtain information about a sample. A method for use of the apparatus of the invention is also disclosed. The method involves stretching of an IR-transmitting fiber to create a path difference sufficient to generate an interferogram. Various aspects of these features enable the construction of compact, portable spectrometers.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus has a light source for transmitting pulses of light along a monomode optical fiber. The polarization of light backscattered from the light pulses in the optical fiber is detected by a polarization processing unit (PPU) and a photo detector. The optical fiber is adapted to deform asymmetrically under the influence of applied external isotropic pressure, e.g. from a fluid. The deformation causes the birefringence of the optical fiber to change proportionally to the applied pressure. The change in birefringence can be determined from the detected polarization of the backscattered light, allowing detection of pressure distribution in the fluid. Importantly, the construction of the optical fiber is such that the birefringence beat length of the optical fiber at the wavelength of light propagated by the fiber remains more than twice the spatial length of the light pulses transmitted along the optical fiber.

Abstract: A variety of toy polariscopes are simpler in design and less costly than precision instruments used in scientific research and stress analysis of materials and structures. The toy polariscopes are designed for a variety of objects that may exhibit photoelastic properties such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas, gel candle material and other gels, and even edible photoelastic objects. They are specially designed for objects of various sizes with a variety of purposes such as objects to enhance learning in a variety of conditions and experiences. Special objects are designed to go with the toy polariscopes such as edible and inedible photoelastic objects, photoelastic candle material, a variety of photoelastic/photoplastic stands capable of a variety of displays in interaction with other designed photoelastic objects capable of a variety of interaction and displays. Other optical phenomena may also be observed.

Abstract: An apparatus, for measuring an electric field while minimally perturbing the electric field being measured, includes an analyzing stage and a sensor head. The sensor head is optically coupled to the analyzing stage by a laser probe beam transmitted from the analyzing stage. The sensor head includes an electro optic crystal disposed between two gradient index lenses, where the first gradient index lens emits a laser beam transmitted from the analyzing stage to the sensor head, where the electric field is applied and where, the electro optic crystal transforms the laser beam probe into a phase modulated laser beam. The second gradient index lens transmits the phase modulated laser beam back to the analyzing stage, where polarization optics and a photodetector convert the phase modulated laser beam into an electrical signal representing field strength and phase of the electric field.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to measure visual appearance of birefringent fibers are disclosed. One method comprises emitting light, creating Ni polarization states of the emitted light, illuminating the birefringent fibers with the emitted light so polarized, thereby generating IRi internal reflection components, ERi external reflection components, and Di diffusion components of the light in the birefringent fibers, observing the light from the illuminated birefringent fibers, creating Oi polarization states of the observed light, forming Xi images of the observed polarized light, each image comprising an information (Ni, Oi, IRi, ERi, Di), wherein i=1, 2, . . . n and n?4, measuring the intensity Ii in each pixel in the Xi images, and separating the i-th internal reflection component, the i-th external reflection component, and the i-th diffusion component from the i-th image for the Xi images.

Abstract: A method of configuring a system for introducing a relative phase retardation into orthogonally polarized components of an electromagnetic beam entered thereinto, wherein the system involves a substantially achromatic multiple element retarder system for use in wide spectral range (for example, 190-1700 nm) rotating compensator spectroscopic ellipsometer and/or polarimeter systems.

Abstract: Ellipsometry using two waveplates of complementary retardation in a dual rotating compensator configuration is disclosed. Two waveplates of complementary retardation may be used to increase the useful spectral range of a rotating compensator ellipsometer, in particular towards the deep Ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. The improved rotating compensating ellipsometer disclosed herein enables a user to select specific and different waveplate retardations for the purpose of increasing the operating wavelength range of the rotating compensating ellipsometer.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention a second, different waveplate is introduced into a single rotating compensator normal incidence ellipsometer. The second waveplate provides a quarter wavelength retardation that is different from and complementary to that of the first waveplate in order to increase the spectral range for which useful retardation is available, especially towards the deep UV spectrum. The sensitivity for the system may also be increased in the conventional spectral range, since each of the two waveplates may be optimized for its own, somewhat more narrow spectral range of operation. With the proper choice of two waveplates of different retardation, the useful spectral range may be extended from typically 190-820 nm to 150-1000 nm, and beyond if necessary, while increasing the sensitivity within the conventional wavelength range at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for biogenic substance concentration measurement including: a cell including therein a first region, a second region, and a test solution retention space; a light source; a polarizing plate; and a photoreceiver, in which a plurality of first metallic nanorods each having a first antibody on a surface thereof are immobilized on the first region, a plurality of second metallic nanorods each having a second antibody on a surface thereof are immobilized on the second region, the respective long axes of the plurality of first metallic nanorods are aligned in the same direction, the respective long axes of the plurality of second metallic nanorods are aligned in the same direction, the long-axis direction of the first metallic nanorod is orthogonal to the long-axis direction of the second metallic nanorod, and at least one of the polarizing plate and the cell is capable of rotation with an optical axis as the rotation axis.

Abstract: A device for enhancing transmission of incident electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength is presented that includes an aperture array structure in a thin film. The structure includes a repealing unit cell having more than one aperture including a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein a parameter of the first aperture differs from that of the second aperture. The unit cell repeats with a periodicity on the order of or less than said predetermined wavelength, The structure parameters are configured to preferentially support cavity modes for coupling to and enhancing transmission of a predetermined polarization state at the predetermined wavelength. By structuring the unit cell with apertures that differ by appropriate degrees in at least one of dimension, height, dielectric constant of material filling the apertures, shape, and orientation, the devices can be adapted for polarization and/or wavelength filtering- and/or light circulating, weaving, or channeling.

Abstract: An object is to efficiently measure the resistivity of a transparent conductive film with high accuracy in a non-destructive and non-contact manner.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus configured to measure a property of a substrate includes an illumination source, a beam splitter, a first polarizer positioned between the illumination source and the beam splitter, an objective lens and an optical device that alters a polarization state of radiation traveling through it positioned between the beam splitter and the substrate and a second polarizer positioned between the beam splitter and a detector. An axis of the second polarizer is rotated with respect to an axis of the first polarizer. Radiation polarized by the first polarizer that reflects off any optical elements between the beam splitter and the optical device is prevented from entering the detector by the second polarizer. Only radiation that passes twice through the optical device has its polarization direction rotated so that it passes through the second polarizer and enters the detector.

Abstract: A photon detection apparatus includes an optical divider splitting incident signal light by polarization components, an optical mixer mixing pump light with the signal light output from the optical divider, an up-converter up-converting a frequency of the mixed signal light including the pump light, and an optical detector detecting the up-converted signal light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minute measuring instrument for high speed and large area and a method thereof, and more particularly, to a minute measuring instrument for high speed and large area which measures properties of a specimen in high speed by a focused-beam ellipsometric part and then minutely remeasures the position showing a singular point by a minute measuring part and a method thereof.

Abstract: A liquid crystal based broadband filter and imaging system for analyzing the polarization state of radiation. The filter includes four elements: a quarter wave plate; a 45° polarization rotator; a 90° polarization rotator; and a fixed polarizer. The first three of these elements are electronically switchable, allowing the user to select from any of the six possible polarization states. The switchable elements use multiple liquid crystal cells made from dual-frequency materials. A dual-frequency signal is used to activate and deactivate the various elements to achieve the desired state configuration. The dual-frequency signal drives the liquid crystal cells in and out of states, improving the overall switching time of the filter. The configuration of the liquid crystal cells within each of the filter allows broadband operation over most of the visible, infrared and ultraviolet spectra. The filter cycles through six configurations corresponding to the six polarization states of the incident radiation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting variations in electromagnetic fields, in particular, terahertz (THz) electromagnetic fields, are provided. The methods and apparatus employ polarization detection devices and controllers to maintain or vary the polarization of modulated signals as desired. The methods and apparatus are provided to characterize electromagnetic fields by directing the electromagnetic field and a probe beam upon an electro-crystal and detecting the modulation of the resulting probe beam. Detection of the modulation of the probe beam is practiced by detecting and comparing the polarization components of the modulated probe beam. Aspects of the invention may be used to analyze or detect explosives, explosive related compounds, and pharmaceuticals, among other substances. A compact apparatus, modular optical devices for use with the apparatus, sample holders, and radiation source mounts are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a differential polarizing laser-scanning microscope (DP LSM) for determining differential polarization quantities of a material, comprising a laser light source (L) for scanning the sample and illuminating it with a coherent and monochromatic light, a microscope unit (ME) with a sample holder for providing a preselected optical magnification and imaging and a polarization state setting unit (PAA) positioned in the illuminating beam path (between the light source and the sample holder). The microscope is further provided with detectors (D1, D2) in the observing beam path, at least one filter holder in front of the detectors and a signal-processing unit (VE) for processing the electrical signals of the detectors. In the DP-LSM microscope an optical element (DP) is located in the common beam path comprising the illuminating and the observing beams, for separating the orthogonal polarization components.

Abstract: Systems, devices and techniques for generating and analyzing states of polarization in light using multiple adjustable polarization rotators having different discrete polarization rotation states in various applications.

Abstract: A photoelastic modulator, comprising a driving block and a driver transducer for perturbing said block in a predefined direction to establish a standing wave extending longitudinally in said block and hence perpendicularly to said predefined direction. The transducer is affixed to said block at two regions of the transducer mutually displaced in said predefined direction, to minimize the coupling of lateral perturbation perpendicular to the predefined direction. A recess or gap may be provided under the transducer.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring in a borehole at least one of orientation, acceleration and pressure, the sensor including: a light source; a birefringent material receiving light from the source; and a photodetector for measuring light transmitted through the birefringent material to measure the at least one of orientation, acceleration and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical scanning device that comprises a light source to emit a beam of light, and a beam splitter to split that beam into several beamlets, and further a first objective lens to direct said beamlets onto a focal plane wherein each of said beamlets impinges on the focal plane spacially separated from each other, wherein the beam splitter comprises several birefringent elements for splitting said beam, preferably a stack of Wollaston prisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and accompanying method to measure fiber twist. The method includes independent determination of fiber bending by measuring strain sensing in outer cores of the same fiber. The apparatus includes a multi-core optical fiber comprising a center core and a plurality of peripheral cores at a distance radially from the center core and running parallel to the center core. The center core includes at least one fiber Bragg grating with polarization-dependent reflectivity. The fiber Bragg grating reflects the launched light as reflected light. The apparatus includes a multi-core optical fiber bend sensing system operable to communicate with the multi-core optical fiber. The multi-core optical fiber bend sensing system is operable to sense a bend in the multi-core optical fiber. The apparatus includes a processor operable to communicate with the polarization controller.

Abstract: An optical system including: a photon source; first directing elements configured to direct photons to follow a first path through the optical system; second directing elements configured to direct photons to follow a second path through the optical system, wherein the second path is the reverse of the first path, photons travelling through the first path having a different polarization to those travelling through the second path; and a mechanism varying the relative phase shift between photons following the first path and photons following the second path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing polarisation-sensitive and/or polarising filters, in addition to the use of polarisation-sensitive photosensors in order to measure the polarisation of incident light. The invention also relates to embodiments of polarisation-sensitive sensors in order to measure rotational angles and powerful electric or magnetic fields, in addition to polarisation-producing reproduction devices and embodiments of polarisation-producing reproduction devices in order to reproduce polarised signals or to reproduce independent signals.

Abstract: A compensation layer optical property evaluation method capable of precisely and accurately evaluating the optical properties of the compensation layer without separating the compensation layer from the optical film, namely without causing a breakage of the compensation layer or a change in the optical properties, and to provide a compensation layer optical property evaluation system for use in such a method.

Abstract: A method for the spatially resolved measurement of the birefringence distribution of a cylindrically symmetrical blank (2) made from an optical material transparent to at least one wavelength ?B between 180 nm and 650 nm, in particular at 193 nm, including: irradiating the blank (2), arranged in a container (4) with an immersion fluid (5), at a jacket-side measurement position (MP) using a measuring light beam (9) which runs in a measuring direction (Y) preferably perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (S) of the blank (2), as well as varying the jacket-side measurement position (MP) by moving the measuring light beam (9) and the blank (2) relative to one another in two directions (X, Z) perpendicular to the measuring direction (Y) for the purpose of spatially resolved measurement of the non-axial birefringence distribution of the blank (2).