Optical refractive inverse weak value tiltmeter

We present an expanded mathematical model of the optical weak value amplification device introduced by Duck, Stevenson, and Sudarshan in 1989 [Phys. Rev. D40, 2112 (1989)PRVDAQ0556-282110.1103/PhysRevD.40.2112]. We model the pointer behavior in and around the weak value and inverse weak value amplification regions with respect to the incidence angle of the birefringent crystal. We present laboratory measurements that support the validity of this model. We measure a tilt sensitivity of ∼.58m/r a d, which represents an amplification of 390 times over nonamplified refraction. This corresponds to an increase in SNR of ∼110 times with respect to shot noise. This paper demonstrates the novel utility of a birefringence-based WVA device as a sensitive tiltmeter, to our knowledge.