Keywords

Optical Sensing, Light Polarization, Optical Vortex, Polarimetry, Orbital Angular Momentum, Random Media, Light Interaction with Inhomogeneous Media

Abstract

Light is a powerful tool for probing a variety of physical phenomena. This dissertation explores some of the complex properties of light, with a particular emphasis on its angular momentum, encompassing the concepts of polarization and optical vortices that illustrate how light spins and orbits, respectively. The study includes a detailed examination of light polarization and introduces a number of innovative measurement techniques. It also extends the research on optical vortices by analyzing their interaction behavior with various types of inhomogeneous media. The comprehensive investigations are aimed at applications in sensing and communications.

Regarding light polarization, this dissertation presents a new approach for analyzing inhomogeneously polarized fields by introducing an average similarity measure, which enables effective discrimination and quantification of the overall properties of random fields. The dissertation also advances the practice of polarization measurements by introducing novel approaches for fast, single-shot polarimetry that permit real-time detection and characterization of material objects. These approaches include (i) an active technique that overcomes the notorious directionality problem associated with traditional sensing methods, and (ii) a cost-effective, passive technique that relies on a corner-cube retroreflector to measure the state of polarization of an input field while preserving its power.

The study of optical vortices delves into their interactions with both two-dimensional and three-dimensional, static and dynamic inhomogeneous media. Through a combination of analytical models, numerical calculations, and experiments, this dissertation provides insights into how vortex beams are affected upon propagation through disturbing media and identifies the conditions under which their initial characteristics are retained. Particular attention is dedicated to quantifying the impact of atmospheric turbulence on the evolution of orbital angular momentum spectra of both symmetric and asymmetric optical vortex beams. Finally, the dissertation advances a novel method for sensing minute thermal fluctuations at liquid-vapor interfaces with potential applications in remote sensing and chemical characterization. The approach relies on specific scattering characteristics of optical vortex beams that enable a significant enhancement of sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Dogariu, Aristide

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Department

Optics and Photonics

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

November 2024

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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