Experimental demonstration of polarization-assisted transverse and axial optical superresolution

✍ Scribed by Jason B. Stewart; Bahaa E.A. Saleh; Malvin C. Teich; John T. Fourkas

• Book ID: 104072813
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 367 KB
• Volume: 241
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0030-4018
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2004.07.042

✦ Synopsis

A technique has recently been proposed for generating a focused optical beam with focal spot dimensions that are smaller than those of conventional Gaussian beams, in both the axial and transverse directions. The technique is based on superposing two Gaussian beams of orthogonal polarizations with slightly offset foci. As a result of the differential Gouy phase, a k/2 retardation is introduced, thereby creating a polarization component with a superresolved focal volume. This polarization-assisted axial and transverse superresolution effect is experimentally demonstrated here. In agreement with theory, a focal spot-size reduction of more than 30% is observed in both the axial and transverse directions.