System and method for converting the polarization state of an optical beam into an inhomogenously polarized state

Abstract

A system for converting the polarization state of an optical beam which propagates along a path from an initial polarization state into an inhomogeneous polarization state includes a first isotropic material and a first anisotropic material. The first anistropic material is positioned adjacent to the first isotropic material in a substantially transverse manner relative to the path of the optical beam. The first anisotropic material has a first alignment axis that produces one of a radially, azimuthally, and counter-rotationally polarized optical beam when substantially aligned with respect to a polarization axis of the optical beam.

1 . An optical beam having an inhomogeneous polarization state in which the polarization rotates in a continuous and counterclockwise manner while traversing a circular path around a beam axis in a clockwise direction.  
     
     
         2 . The optical beam as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the optical beam is one of a radially, azimuthally, and counter-rotationally polarized.  
     
     
         3 . The optical beam as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the optical beam is polarized in at least two different orientations.  
     
     
         4 . The optical beam as set forth in  claim 3  wherein the optical beam is polarized in at least four different orientations.  
     
     
         5 . The optical beam as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the optical beam is substantially rotationally symmetric about the beam axis.  
     
     
         6 . The optical beam as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the optical beam is substantially rotationally asymmetric about the beam axis.