Polarization of holographic grating diffraction. I. General theory

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Holography
• Diffraction Theory

Background:

• Volume holographic gratings are crucial optical components.
• Understanding their polarization properties is essential for device performance.
• Existing models may not cover general incidence conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate the full polarization properties of volume holographic grating diffraction.
• To develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for analyzing diffraction phenomena.
• To provide a simulation tool for engineering holographic devices.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of diffracted fields and Mueller matrices using Green's function algorithms from Maxwell's equations.
• Development of a formalism for general incidence angles where s and p waves are coupled.
• Analytical calculation of diffracted-beam profiles using grating shape functions.

Main Results:

• Established photon-momentum relations determining Bragg angle selectivity.
• Defined diffraction strength parameters related to hologram writing and material properties.
• Provided a fundamental understanding of polarization phenomena in real holographic gratings.

Conclusions:

• The developed theory offers a fundamental understanding of polarization in holographic diffraction.
• The derived algorithm can serve as a simulation-analysis tool for engineering holographic beam combiners and splitters.