Regular lattices of polarization singularities: their generation and properties

Abstract

We have described the possibility of generating a stable lattice of polarization vortices using two setups which include Wollaston compensators as well as special circular compensators. Two versions of the setups have been proposed. They can generate L- or C-type singularity points which form lattices with the same shape and behavior. What is more, we have shown the equivalence of L- and C-type singularity points in the measurement setup using two different polarization descriptions: the (δ, β) set for L-points is equivalent to the (α, ϑ) set for C-points. With the help of appropriate analyzers, both of these polarization markers can be detected as phase point singularities. The behaviors of both setups were verified experimentally.