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Spatially resolved birefringence measurements with a digital micro-mirror device
Optics Express
|November 23, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a new digital technique using a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) to measure birefringence. This method offers a calibration-free, cost-effective, and versatile approach for analyzing polarization structures and optical rotation.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Crystallography
Background:
- Birefringence imaging is crucial for analyzing anisotropic materials.
- Conventional methods often require complex setups, calibration, and have limitations in speed and cost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, all-digital technique for spatially resolved birefringence measurements.
- To overcome limitations of existing birefringence measurement methods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) for holographic phase control of orthogonal polarization components.
- Employed a static linear polarizer for analyzing phase shifts.
- Demonstrated the technique on various samples including metasurfaces, liquid crystals, and chiral crystals.
Main Results:
- Successfully mapped complex polarization structures in nano-structured metasurfaces and liquid crystal devices.
- Resolved chiral structures of L-Alanine and N-Acetyl-L-cysteine crystals.
- Quantified concentration-dependent optical rotation in glucose and fructose solutions.
Conclusions:
- The developed digital birefringence measurement technique is calibration-free, cost-effective, and versatile.
- Offers high frame rates, wavelength independence, and requires no moving parts.
- Suitable for applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing, saccharimetry, and stress imaging.
