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Complex vectorial optics through gradient index lens cascades

Author

Listed:
  • Chao He

    (University of Oxford)

  • Jintao Chang

    (Tsinghua University
    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
    Tsinghua University)

  • Martin J. Booth

    (University of Oxford)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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 & Martin J. Booth, 2019. "Complex vectorial optics through gradient index lens cascades," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-12286-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12286-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Masashi Hasegawa & Ziyan Huang & Ricardo Paricio-Montesinos & Jan Gründemann, 2024. "Network state changes in sensory thalamus represent learned outcomes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.

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