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Polarization ray tracing in anisotropic optically active media

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Abstract

We present algorithms for polarization ray tracing through uniaxial optically active crystals, such as quartz, in a form specifically suited for integration into optical design software. These algorithms incorporate ray directions, polarization modes, optical path lengths, and Fresnel transmission and reflection equations. Current commercially available polarization ray tracing software does not perform birefringent ray tracing in uniaxial or optically active materials. The optical designer lacks a straightforward tool for analyzing propagation and aberrations in these media. We apply these algorithms to some examples. For a quartz polarization rotator a misalignment of the crystal axis of 1° is negligible, but a misalignment of 5° renders the device useless.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

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