Polarization analysis of light beam uses acousto-optic interaction within birefringent material to achieve separation of two components

摘要

The procedure includes separation of the incident beam into two diffracted beams (2a, 2b). The separation is achieved by acousto-optic interaction. A measurement is then carried out of at least one signal (P1, P2) representative of one or more characteristics of the two diffracted beams (2a,2b). The procedure for analysis of a light beam includes separation of the incident beam (1), for a given unique wavelength, into at least two diffracted beams (2a, 2b). These have different fractions of the two orthogonally polarized components of the incident light beam. The separation is achieved by acousto-optic interaction. A measurement is then carried out of at least one signal (P1, P2) representative of one or more characteristics of the two diffracted beams (2a,2b). The incident wave may be directed through a birefringent medium in order to split it into two components. Diffraction then occurs within the medium as a result of an acousto-optic interaction within the medium with ultrasound propagated through the medium.