Interferometric microimaging based on geometrical spin-redirection phase

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Microscopy

Background:

• Interferometric microscopy traditionally visualizes surface topography.
• Distinguishing geometrical phase from dynamical phase is crucial for accurate surface analysis.
• Spin-redirection phase offers a novel approach to probe microstructural details.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel interferometric microscopy scheme.
• To visualize geometrical spin-redirection phase images of microsurface structures.
• To differentiate spin-redirection phase from conventional dynamical phase.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel interferometric microscope scheme.
• Utilizing polarization states and optical constants for phase observation.
• Computer simulation based on a theoretical model for validation.

Main Results:

• Successful visualization of geometrical spin-redirection phase images.
• Demonstration that observed phase depends on polarization and optical constants.
• Experimental results align with theoretical predictions and simulations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scheme effectively visualizes geometrical spin-redirection phase.
• This method allows for distinguishing spin-redirection phase from dynamical phase.
• The technique shows promise for detailed microsurface structure analysis.