Ringpolarisatsiooniks

Ringpolarisatsiooniks, often shortened to ring polarization, is a phenomenon observed in certain types of circularly polarized light where the polarization state is not uniform across the cross-section of the beam. Instead of the electric field vector rotating in a perfect circle at every point, the radius of this circular path varies across the beam's profile. This variation leads to a non-uniform distribution of the handedness of polarization or the angle of the major axis of the elliptical polarization across the beam.

This effect can arise from various optical phenomena, including imperfections in the polarization optics used to generate the light, or through interactions with anisotropic materials. For instance, the residual aberrations in lenses or the presence of stress-induced birefringence in optical components can lead to the development of ring polarization. In some specialized applications, ring-polarized light can be intentionally generated for specific purposes, such as in certain types of microscopy or optical trapping.

The analysis of ring polarization typically involves advanced optical techniques that can map the polarization state across the beam's profile. Techniques like polarization-sensitive imaging or Mueller matrix polarimetry are often employed to characterize and understand the spatial variations in the polarization state. The presence and nature of ring polarization can significantly impact the performance of optical systems that rely on precise polarization control.