Probing the enpolarization phenomenon in a speckle pattern using a microwave photonics-inspired approach

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Polarimetry
• Microwave Photonics

Background:

• The enpolarization phenomenon describes an increase in the light degree of polarization (DOP).
• This occurs even after interaction with a depolarizing sample, leading to a high average DOP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the enpolarization phenomenon using advanced optical techniques.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of local DOP increase in depolarizing media.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Stokes polarimetry on highly resolved optical speckle patterns.
• Employed an experimental approach inspired by microwave photonics.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that Stokes polarimetry can reveal details of the enpolarization phenomenon.
• The combined techniques provide new insights into how unpolarized light becomes polarized after interaction.

Conclusions:

• The study sheds new light on the enpolarization phenomenon.
• Confirms the role of local DOP increase in achieving high average DOP values post-interaction.