Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026

In Situ Measurement of Vacuum Window Birefringence using 25Mg+ Fluorescence
Published on: June 13, 2020
Optical rotation of a uniformly, linearly polarized Bessel-like beam in free space
Abstract:
We report on the observation of a light beam in air whose polarization state is uniform and linear at the transverse region where the intensity is high and rotates uniformly with propagation distance. The beam is obtained by interference of two circularly polarized Bessel beams of opposite helicities and very similar, but not equal, cone angles. The measured rotation rate is in agreement with that expected from theory.
Related Concept Videos
Properties of Enantiomers and Optical Activity
Unsymmetric Bending - Angle of Neutral Axis
When a bending moment is applied at an angle θ concerning the vertical axis of a symmetrical member, it can be resolved into components along the member's principal...
Rotational Motion about a Fixed Axis
Potential Due to a Polarized Object
Curvilinear Motion: Polar Coordinates
The particle's location is described using a unit vector along the radial direction. Deriving the particle's position...
Gauss's Law: Cylindrical Symmetry

