Complex vectorial optics through gradient index lens cascades

Chao He (), Jintao Chang, Qi Hu, Jingyu Wang, Jacopo Antonello, Honghui He, Shaoxiong Liu, Jianyu Lin, Ben Dai, Daniel S. Elson, Peng Xi, Hui Ma and Martin J. Booth ()
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Chao He: University of Oxford
Jintao Chang: Tsinghua University
Qi Hu: University of Oxford
Jingyu Wang: University of Oxford
Jacopo Antonello: University of Oxford
Honghui He: Tsinghua University
Shaoxiong Liu: Shenzhen Sixth People’s Hospital (Nanshan Hospital) Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital
Jianyu Lin: Imperial College London
Ben Dai: City University of Hong Kong
Daniel S. Elson: Imperial College London
Peng Xi: Peking University
Hui Ma: Tsinghua University
Martin J. Booth: University of Oxford

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Graded index (GRIN) lenses are commonly used for compact imaging systems. It is not widely appreciated that the ion-exchange process that creates the rotationally symmetric GRIN lens index profile also causes a symmetric birefringence variation. This property is usually considered a nuisance, such that manufacturing processes are optimized to keep it to a minimum. Here, rather than avoiding this birefringence, we understand and harness it by using GRIN lenses in cascade with other optical components to enable extra functionality in commonplace GRIN lens systems. We show how birefringence in the GRIN cascades can generate vector vortex beams and foci, and how it can be used advantageously to improve axial resolution. Through using the birefringence for analysis, we show that the GRIN cascades form the basis of a new single-shot Müller matrix polarimeter with potential for endoscopic label-free cancer diagnostics. The versatility of these cascades opens up new technological directions.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12286-3

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