Discontinuous space variant sub-wavelength structures for generating radially polarized light in visible region

Z. Ghadyani; S. Dmitriev; N. Lindlein; G. Leuchs; O. Rusina; I. Harder

doi:10.2971/jeos.2011.11041

Journal of the European Optical Society - Rapid publications, Vol 6 (2011)

Discontinuous space variant sub-wavelength structures for generating radially polarized light in visible region

Z. Ghadyani, S. Dmitriev, N. Lindlein, G. Leuchs, O. Rusina, I. Harder

Abstract

A discontinuous space variant sub-wavelength dielectric grating is designed and fabricated for generating radially polarized light in visible region (Î» = 632.8 nm). The design is based on sub-wavelength silicon nitride structures introducing a retardation of Ï€/2 by form birefringence, with space variant orientation of the optical axis. The pattern is divided into concentric ring segments with constant structural parameters, therefore reducing electron-beam writing time significantly. The design avoids the technological challenges encountered in the generation of a continuous space variant grating while maintaining good quality of the resulting polarization mode.

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