阅读说明：本技术 偏振分离装置和包括该装置的差分干涉仪和差分对比度光学显微镜 (Polarization separation device, differential interferometer and differential contrast optical microscope comprising the same ) 是由 奥利维耶·阿谢 西蒙·里夏尔 于 2020-03-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于接收入射光束(100)的偏振分离装置。根据本发明,该装置包括具有第一光学中心(O-(1))、第一光轴(Z-(1))和第一焦距(F-(1))的第一几何相位透镜(L-(1))和具有第二光学中心(O-(2))、第二光轴(Z-(2))和第二焦距(F-(2))的第二几何相位透镜(L-(2)),第一几何相位透镜和第二几何相位透镜根据第一光轴(Z-(1))彼此分开第一距离(D),第一几何相位透镜(L-(1))和第二几何相位透镜(L-(2))被设置成对于第一圆偏振态具有相同符号的光焦度,并且对于与第一圆偏振态正交的另一圆偏振态具有相反符号的光焦度,该装置被配置和引导成使得第一光学中心(O-(1))根据第一光轴(Z-(1))在第二几何相位光学透镜(L-(2))上的投影(P-(1))位于距第二光学中心(O-(2))非零第二距离(e)处。(The invention relates to a polarization separation device for receiving an incident light beam (100). According to the invention, the device comprises a lens having a first optical center (O) 1 ) First optical axis (Z) 1 ) And a first focal length (F) 1 ) First geometric phase lens (L) 1 ) And has a second optical center (O) 2 ) Second optical axis (Z) 2 ) And a second focal length (F) 2 ) Second geometric phase lens (L) 2 ) The first and second geometric phase lenses are in accordance with a first optical axis (Z) 1 ) Separated from each other by a first distance (D), a first geometric phase lens (L) 1 ) And a second geometric phase lens (L) 2 ) Is set upTo have powers of the same sign for a first circular polarization state and powers of opposite sign for another circular polarization state orthogonal to the first circular polarization state, the device being configured and guided such that the first optical center (O) 1 ) According to a first optical axis (Z) 1 ) In the second geometric phase optical lens (L) 2 ) Projection (P) of 1 ) Located at a distance (O) from the second optical center 2 ) A non-zero second distance (e).)

1. A polarization separation device (1) for receiving an incident light beam (100), the device (1) comprising: a first geometric phase lens (L)₁) The first geometric phase lens has a first optical center (O)₁) First optical axis (Z)₁) Positive first focal length (F) for a first circular polarization state₁) And an opposite focal length (-F) for another circular polarization state orthogonal to the first circular polarization state₁) (ii) a And a second geometric phase lens (L)₂) The second geometric phase lens has a second optical center (O)₂) Second optical axis (Z)₂) And a positive second focal length (F) for said first circular polarization state₂) And an opposite focal length (-F) for the other circular polarization state₂) Said first optical axis (Z)₁) And said second optical axis (Z)₂) Forming an angle of less than a few degrees, the first and second geometric phase lenses being in accordance with the first optical axis (Z)₁) Are separated from each other by a first distance (D), the device (1) being configured and guided such that the first optical center (O)₁) According to the first optical axis (Z)₁) In the second geometric phase optical lens (L)₂) Projection (P) of₁) Is located at a distance (O) from the second optical center₂) A non-zero second distance (e), the first distance (D) being smaller than the first focal length (F)₁) And said second focal length (F)₂)。

2. Polarization separation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first focal length (F)₁) And the second focal length (F)₂) With a difference less than or equal to 10%.

3. Polarization separation device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second optical axis (Z)₂) Relative to the first optical axis (Z)₁) Offset by the second distance (e).

4. Polarization separation device (1) according to claim 3, comprising a first geometrical location at the first locationA translation device (5) between the phase lens and the second geometric phase lens, said translation device (5) being adapted to translate according to a direction transverse to the first optical axis (Z)₁) With respect to the first optical center (O)₁) Offset from the second optical center (Z)₂)。

5. Polarization separation device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first optical axis (Z)₁) Forming an angle (θ) with respect to the propagation axis of the incident light beam on the device (1).

6. Polarization separation device (1) according to claim 5, comprising rotation means (7) for rotating the first and second geometric phase lenses, the first geometric phase lens (L)₁) And said second geometric phase lens (L)₂) Kept parallel to each other, said rotating means (7) being adapted to simultaneously tilt said first geometric phase lens and said second geometric phase lens with respect to said incident light beam (100).

7. Polarization separation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first distance (D) is smaller than the first focal length (F)₁) And said second focal length (F)₂) 20% of the total.

8. Polarization separation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first geometric phase lens (L)₁) And said second geometric phase lens (L)₂) Having spherical or cylindrical power.

9. Polarization separation device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a diverging optical lens (9).

10. Polarization separation device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising a quarter-wave retardation plate (11).

11. Polarization separation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a lens having a third optical center (O)₃) A third optical axis (Z)₃) And a third focal length (F)₃) Third geometric phase lens (L)₃) And has a fourth optical center (O)₄) The fourth optical axis (Z)₄) And a fourth focal length (F)₄) Fourth geometric phase lens (L)₄) Said third geometric phase lens (L)₃) And the fourth geometric phase lens (L)₄) Is arranged to have powers of the same sign for the first circular polarization state and powers of opposite sign for the orthogonal further circular polarization state, the third optical axis (Z)₃) And the fourth optical axis (Z)₄) And the first optical axis (Z)₁) Forming an angle of less than a few degrees, the third and fourth geometric phase lenses being in accordance with the third optical axis (Z)₃) Are separated from each other by a third distance (D'), said third optical center (O)₃) According to the third optical axis (Z)₃) In the fourth geometric phase lens (L)₄) Is located at a distance (O) from said fourth optical center₄) A non-zero fourth distance (e '), said third distance (D') being smaller than said third focal length (F)₃) And the fourth focal length (F)₄)。

12. A differential interferometer (50, 52) comprising a polarization splitting device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11.

13. Differential contrast optical microscope comprising a polarization separation device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of polarization-separating optical components.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a polarization separation apparatus, and a differential interferometer and a differential contrast microscope (differential contrast microscope) including the same.

Background

A polarization separation device is an optical component that allows an incident light beam to be separated into two polarization components according to different polarization states.

For example, known polarization separation devices include a Rochon prism (Rochon prism) and a Wollaston prism (Wollaston prism). They are based on the use of two prisms made of birefringent material. These prisms split an incident light beam into two exit light beams, each exit light beam having a linear polarization, and the polarizations of the two exit light beams are orthogonal. The angle between the two outgoing beams depends on the birefringent properties of the material forming the prism, the orientation of the birefringent axes with respect to the prism surface, and the angle of the prism.

The nomanski (Nomarski) prism is a variant of the wollaston prism. They allow to obtain an angular separation of the incident light beam into two linear polarizations, but also spatially define the intersection of two emergent light beams orthogonally polarized to each other.

A polarization separation cube (also known as a "MacNeille cube") is another type of polarization separation device. They comprise two prisms made of isotropic material and connected by their hypotenuses. The hypotenuse comprises a coating having reflective and transmissive properties depending on the incident polarization.

However, for all these polarization separation means, the separation angle of the outgoing beam is given by the construction. Once the part is manufactured, it is not possible to adjust the separation angle. Furthermore, these components based on prisms have a significant thickness, since they involve surfaces that are inclined with respect to the incident light beam. Since these components based on prisms have a limited cross-section, the cross-section of the outgoing beam also has limited dimensions. Finally, at the output of these components, the outgoing beam has a linear polarization.

Disclosure of Invention

To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention provides a thin polarization separation device whose separation angle is easily adjusted.

More specifically, according to the present invention, a polarization separation device for receiving an incident light beam is provided. According to the invention, the device comprises: a first geometric phase lens having a first optical center, a first optical axis, and a positive first focal length for a first circular polarization state, and an opposite focal length for another circular polarization state orthogonal to the first circular polarization state; and a second geometric phase lens having a second optical center, a second optical axis and a positive second focal length for a first circular polarization state, and an opposite focal length for another circular polarization state, the first and second optical axes forming an angle of less than a few degrees, the first and second geometric phase lenses being separated from each other by a first distance according to the first optical axis. According to the invention, the device is configured and guided such that the projection of the first optical center on the second geometric phase optical lens according to the first optical axis is located at a non-zero second distance from the second optical center, said first distance being smaller than said first focal length and said second focal length.

Thus, according to the present invention, a lateral offset is introduced between the first optical center of the first geometric phase lens and the second optical center of the second geometric phase lens. By their nature, two geometric phase lenses allow the separation of the two left and right circularly polarized components of the beam. By construction, these two components are steered at the output of the device according to the invention to a determined separation angle, which will depend on the lateral offset between the two optical centers. Thanks to the invention, this offset is adjustable, thus allowing to adjust the separation angle between the two beams corresponding to the two circularly polarized components by moving the second geometric phase lens transversely to the optical axis. The combination of two geometric phase lenses according to the invention thus advantageously allows to adjust the polarization separation angle at the output of the device. Furthermore, the small thickness of the geometric phase lens allows to obtain a thin device.

Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the polarization separation device according to the present invention, considered alone or according to any technically feasible combination, are the following:

-the difference between the first focal length and the second focal length is less than or equal to 10%;

-the second optical axis is offset with respect to the first optical axis by a second distance;

-providing translation means between the first and second geometric phase lenses, said translation means being adapted to shift the second optical center with respect to the first optical center according to a direction transverse to the first optical axis;

-the first optical axis forms an angle with respect to a propagation axis of an incident light beam on the device;

-providing means for rotating the first and second geometric phase lenses, the first and second geometric phase lenses being kept parallel to each other, said rotating means being adapted to simultaneously tilt said first and second geometric phase lenses with respect to the incident light beam;

-the first distance is less than 20% of the first and second focal lengths;

the first geometric phase lens and/or the second geometric phase lens have a spherical or cylindrical optical power (spherical or cylindrical optical power);

-providing a diverging optical lens;

-providing a quarter-wave retardation plate (quartz-wave retardation plate); and

-providing a third geometric phase lens having a third optical center, a third optical axis and a third focal length, and a fourth geometric phase lens having a fourth optical center, a fourth optical axis and a fourth focal length, the third and fourth geometric phase lenses being arranged to have a power of the same sign for a first circular polarization state and a power of opposite sign for another circular polarization state, the third and fourth optical axes forming an angle of less than a few degrees with the first optical axis, the third and fourth geometric phase lenses being separated from each other according to the third optical axis by a third distance, the third optical center being located at a non-zero fourth distance from the fourth optical center according to a projection of the third optical axis onto the fourth geometric phase lens, the third distance being smaller than the third and fourth focal lengths.

The invention also provides a differential interferometer comprising a polarization separation device as described above.

The invention also provides a differential contrast optical microscope comprising a polarization splitting device as described above.

Detailed Description

The following description, with reference to the drawings provided as a non-limiting example, will set forth the objects of the invention and the manner in which the same may be carried into effect.

In the drawings:

figure 1 is a schematic view of the different elements of a polarization separation device according to the invention,

figure 2 is a schematic view of a first example of a polarization separation device according to the present invention,

figure 3 is a schematic view of a second example of a polarization separation device according to the present invention,

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a variation of the first polarization separation device or the second polarization separation device according to the present invention,

figure 5 is a schematic view of another example of a polarization separation device according to the present invention,

figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a first example of a differential interferometry system including a polarization splitting arrangement according to the present invention,

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a second example of a differential interferometry system including a polarization separation device according to the present invention, an

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a polarization separating device according to the invention, which is intended for example to be integrated in a differential contrast microscope.

The present invention relates to a polarization separation apparatus 1 (hereinafter also referred to as apparatus 1).

In this specification, an optical component called a "geometric phase lens" is introduced. The geometric phase lens is made of a geometric phase hologram and/or liquid crystal. The manufacture of geometric phase lenses is described in Kathryn J. Hornburg et al, document "optimizing aspherical geometric phase lenses to improve the field of view" (SPIE optical engineering and applications, proceedings of the conference, volume 10743, optical modeling and performance prediction X; 1074305,2018).

The geometric phase lens is made of liquid crystal. Depending on the alignment layout of the liquid crystals, a different phase is defined at each point of the component.

Regarding the operation of these components, consider a beam passing through one of the geometric phase lenses. It is well known that a light beam can be decomposed into right and left circularly polarized components. Depending on its design, the geometric phase lens behaves like a converging lens with a focal length of + f for one of the circular polarizations (e.g., right circular polarization). For the other polarization (here left circular polarization), the geometric phase lens behaves like a diverging lens with focal length-f. In other words, the geometric phase lens has a positive power for circular polarization and a negative power for another circular polarization. Furthermore, the right circular polarization state is transformed into the left circular polarization state and vice versa when passing through the geometric phase lens.

A single geometric phase lens does not allow for the spatial separation of two orthogonal circular polarizations. Typically, the geometric phase lens operates in a given wavelength range, for example comprised between 450 and 600 nm.

For example, the geometric phase lenses used in the present invention are of the type commercially available as "polarization-oriented planar lenses" by Edmund Optics or ImagineOptix.

In practice, the geometric phase lens has a flat appearance, that is to say without any physical radius of curvature. The thickness of the geometric phase lens is small, typically in the range of 0.4 millimeters (mm). The diameter of the geometric phase lens is typically in the range of 25 mm. For example, the surface area of the geometric phase lens is120×120mm²。

Fig. 1 shows the different elements of a polarization separation device 1 according to the invention for receiving an incident light beam 100. Typically, the incident beam 100 is collimated. Alternatively, the incident light beam 100 is not collimated at the input of the apparatus 1.

The device 1 comprises a first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂. Optionally, the device 1 comprises a first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂And/or for rotating the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂The lens 9 and/or the quarter-wave retardation plate 11.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the first geometric phase lens L₁Having a first optical center O₁First optical axis Z₁And a first focal length F₁. First optical axis Z₁Orthogonal to the first geometric phase lens L₁And passes through the first optical center O₁. Second geometric phase lens L₂Having a second optical center O₂A second optical axis Z₂And a second focal length F₂. Second optical axis Z₂Orthogonal to the second geometric phase lens L₂And passes through the second optical center O₂. Preferably, the first focal length F₁And a second focal length F₂Equal to the focal length F to keep the beam collimated. If the first focal length F₁And a second focal length F₂But close, e.g., less than or equal to 10%, the device also operates.

Here, the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Has spherical optical power. First geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Convergent for circular polarization and divergent for the other circular polarization. In this case, the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Respectively focused on a first optical axis Z₁Upper focal point F₁and-F₁And a second optical axis Z₂Upper focal point F₂and-F₂. ReplaceableGround, first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Having cylindrical power while being convergent for circular polarization and divergent for the other circular polarization. In the case of lenses having cylindrical power, e.g. in the first geometric phase lens L₁Having cylindrical power, having a power parallel to the first optical axis Z₁According to a first optical axis Z₁The orthogonal line segments passing through the circularly polarized focal point F₁Focused and according to a first optical axis Z₁The other line segment orthogonal passes through the focal point-F of the other circular polarization₁And focusing. Whether they have spherical or cylindrical power, these geometric phase lenses have different geometric aberrations, as if a spherical or cylindrical conventional lens were referred to as an aspheric or non-cylindrical lens. Depending on their design, geometric phase lenses may have smaller geometric aberrations. The geometric phase lens may also correct for chromatic aberrations over a predetermined spectral band.

First geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Are located in the same direction.

First geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂According to a first optical axis Z₁Contacting or separated from each other by a first distance D. In practice, the first distance D is smaller than the first focal length F₁And a second focal length F₂. For example, the first distance D is less than the first focal length F₁And a second focal length F₂20% of the total. Preferably, the first distance D is, for example, smaller than the first focal length F₁And a second focal length F₂10% of the total. In other words, the first distance D is as small as possible. At a first focal length F₁And a second focal length F₂Equal to the focal length F, the first distance D is smaller than the focal length F, in fact less than 20% of the focal length F. Preferably, the first distance D is less than 10% of the focal distance F. Preferably, the first distance D is non-zero to avoid that the lens L is in the first geometric phase₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Form interference between them. In fig. 2, the first distance D is, for example, in the range of 0.5 mm.

Generally, the first optical axis Z₁And a secondOptical axis Z₂Forming an angle of less than a few degrees. Hereinafter, the first optical axis Z₁And a second optical axis Z₂For example parallel.

The device 1 is configured such that the second optical center O₂Relative to the first optical center O₁According to a first optical axis Z₁In the second geometric phase lens L₂Projection P of₁Offset by a second distance e from the first optical axis Z₁Transverse to an axis Z defined by the orthogonal reference frame XYZ represented in figures 2 to 4 (the second distance e is therefore fixed in this case).

For example, the second distance e may be fixed when manufacturing the device 1.

Optionally, the apparatus 1 further comprises a lens L in the first geometric phase₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂With the translation means 5. The translation means 5 are adapted to translate according to a direction transverse to the first optical axis Z₁In the direction of (e.g. on the first optical axis Z)₁And a second optical axis Z₂In parallel, also transversely to the second optical axis Z₂) The second distance e is adjusted. In fact, the translation means 5 are therefore adapted to operate according to a direction transversal to the first optical axis Z₁Is directed to the second geometric phase lens L₂Offset by a second distance e. In this example, the first optical center O₁According to a first optical axis Z₁In the second geometric phase lens L₂Projection P of₁Located at a distance O from the second optical center₂At a second distance e. In this case, the second distance e is, for example, in the range of 5 mm.

Optionally, the device 1 comprises a so-called compensation lens (the function of which is explained below). The lens 9 is, for example, a diverging conventional lens. As shown in FIG. 5, lens 9 is located in first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂And then. Alternatively, the lens 9 may be located at the input end of the device 1.

Still optionally, the device 1 comprises a quarter wave retardation plate 11. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the quarter-wave retardation plate 11 is located on the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Then, here after the compensation lens 9.

Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a polarization separation device 1 according to the present invention. Preferably, the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Having the same focal length F. For example, the focal length F is comprised between 40 and 100mm, typically in the range of 50 mm.

Here, the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Placed in contact or close proximity to each other. Thus, the first geometric phase lens L₁The first distance D from the second geometric phase lens L2 is small compared to the focal length F. For example, the first distance D is in the range of 3 mm.

In this first embodiment, the direction of propagation of the incident light beam 100 is parallel to the first optical axis Z₁And a second optical axis Z₂。

According to this first embodiment, the second optical center O₂In a direction transverse to the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100 (which is parallel to the first optical axis Z)₁And a second optical axis Z₂) Upper relative to the first optical axis Z₁Offset by a second distance e. The second distance e is between 100 μm and a few millimeters.

For example, as shown in fig. 2, due to the translation means or the pass through configuration, in the case where the second distance e is fixed by the configuration, the second optical axis Z₂Relative to the first optical axis Z₁Offset by a second distance e. Second optical axis Z₂Relative to the first optical axis Z₁Is also from the second optical center O in the orthogonal reference frame XYZ₂Relative to the first optical axis Z₁Is defined by the location of (a). For example, the offset direction is from the second optical center O₂The position in a plane XY orthogonal to the axis Z. Alternatively, the offset direction may be from the second optical center O₂The position relative to the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100.

In practice, the first geometric phase lens L, by its operation and orientation, when considering, for example, the right circular polarization component of the incident light beam 100₁Behaving for example like a converging lens with a focal length F. In turn, the second geometric phase lens L₂A diverging lens directed to behave like a focal length-F for left-circular incident polarization. In other words, the firstA geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Are arranged to have powers of the same sign for a first circular polarization state and powers of opposite sign for another circular polarization state orthogonal to the first circular polarization state.

In the first geometric phase lens L₁The right circularly polarized component of the incident light beam 100 passes through the first geometric phase lens L₁Into a first intermediate light beam 115 having a left circular polarization. First intermediate beam 115 is focused at focal point F₁In the plane of (a). Due to the focal point F₁Near the second geometric phase lens L₂Focal point F of₂Which forms a substantially collimated second polarized light beam 120. Due to the focal point F₁And a focal point F₂With a second distance e therebetween, the second polarized light beam 120 according to the axis O₂F₁Are angularly turned. Thus, the first intermediate beam 115 passes through the second geometric phase lens L₂Into a second polarized light beam 120 having a right-angle circular polarization.

The geometrical optics law allows to plot the evolution of the right circularly polarized component of the incident light beam 100 in order to obtain a second polarized light beam 120 having a right circular polarization. The path of the right circularly polarized component is indicated by a solid line in fig. 2.

Symmetrically, the first geometric phase lens L when considering the left circular polarization component of the incident beam 100₁Behaves like a diverging lens with focal length-F. In turn, the second geometric phase lens L₂Behaves like a converging lens with a focal length F.

In the first geometric phase lens L₁The left circularly polarized component of the incident light beam 100 is passed through a first geometric phase lens L focused in the focal point-F1 plane₁Into the second intermediate light beam 105 with right circular polarization. The second intermediate beam 105 is then converted into a first polarized beam 110, the first polarized beam 110 passing through a second geometric phase lens L₂Is characterized by left circular polarization. The second intermediate beam 105 is focused in focus-F₁In the plane of (a). Due to the focus-F₁Near the second geometric phase lens L₂Focal point-F of₂Which forms a substantially collimated first polarized light beam 110. Due to the focal point F₁And a focal point F₂Is offset by a second distance e, such that the first polarized light beam 110 is oriented according to an axis-F in the plane YZ₁O₂Are angularly turned. Deflection angleIn the range of e/F.

The geometrical optics law allows to map the evolution of the left circular component in order to obtain a first polarized light beam 110 having a left circular polarization. The path of the left circularly polarized component is indicated by a dashed line in fig. 2.

As shown in fig. 2, advantageously in accordance with the present invention, an incident light beam 100 is angularly split into a first polarized light beam 110 and a second polarized light beam 120. Advantageously according to the invention, the first polarized light beam 110 and the second polarized light beam 120 have orthogonal polarizations. Here, for example, the first polarized light beam 110 has a left circular polarization and the second polarized light beam 120 has a right circular polarization. A separation angle δ is defined between the first polarized light beam 110 and the second polarized light beam 120. The separation angle δ depends on the second distance e and the focal distance F. For a first distance D that is too small compared to the focal distance F and a second distance e that is too small compared to the focal distance F, the separation angle δ is approximately given by the following relation:

[ mathematical formula 1]

According to the invention, the separation plane of the right and left circular polarizations of the incident beam 100 is parallel to the propagation axis of the incident beam 100 and connects the first optical centers O₁And a second optical center O₂The line of (2).

In the example of a focal length F in the range of 50mm, the angular separation law then outputs an offset δ/e between two polarized beams in the range of 40mrad/mm (or 2.3 deg/mm).

Thus, by changing the first optical center O₁And a second optical center O₂A second distance e therebetween, canThe separation angle δ is adjusted. In practice, by moving the second geometric phase lens L₂The separation angle δ may be adjusted so as to vary the second distance e. According to the invention, the combination of two geometric phase lenses advantageously allows the polarization separation angle to be adjusted at the output of the device 1, compared to known polarization separators with fixed separation angles. A second distance e in the plane XY with respect to the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Also allows directing the splitting planes of the polarized beams 110, 120. In fact, in a plane containing the first optical axis Z₁And a second optical axis Z₂A separation of the polarized light beams 110, 120 is observed. In addition, the polarization separation device 1 is thin due to the small volume of the geometric phase lens. For example, the thickness of the device 1 is less than 1.5mm, typically in the range of 1.3mm (about 20mm with respect to known devices).

The device 1 according to the invention is suitable for manipulating large cross-section beams, which is useful for imaging applications, without increasing the volumetric thickness. For example, the polarization separation apparatus according to the present invention includes two geometric phase lenses having a diameter of 25mm, a thickness of 0.4mm, placed at 0.5mm, and an optical axis shifted by 5mm, so that the total thickness is 1.3mm, allowing polarization separation of a beam having a diameter of 20 mm. Generally, known polarization separators that allow processing such beams have a thickness in the range of 20 mm.

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a polarization separation device 1 according to the present invention.

Optionally, the apparatus 1 further comprises a lens for rotating the first geometric phase L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂And (7) a device. The rotating means 7 are adapted to tilt the first geometric phase lens L simultaneously₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂So that the first optical axis Z₁Forming an angle theta with respect to the propagation axis of the incident beam 100. The rotating device 7 is arranged at the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂While keeping them parallel to each other during rotation.

According to this second embodiment, it is possible to pass only the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂To obtain a first optical center O₁And a second optical center O₂With an offset introduced therebetween. In the example shown in fig. 3, the first optical axis Z₁And a second optical axis Z₂And (4) overlapping. First geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂For example by rotating means 7, so as to be tilted simultaneously with respect to the first optical axis Z, in the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100₁(where it is aligned with the second optical axis Z)₂Coincidence) between them₁. Thus, the direction of propagation of the incident light beam 100 is relative to the first optical axis Z₁And a second optical axis Z₂Is inclined by an angle of inclination theta₁. Angle of inclination theta₁Between 0 and 90 degrees (that is to say between 0 and 1.57 radians), preferably less than 20 degrees (in the case of small inclination angles).

Second optical center O₂Relative to the first optical center O₁According to a first optical axis Z₁In the second geometric phase lens L₂Projection P of₁Offset by a second distance e from the first optical axis Z₁Transverse to an axis Z defined by an orthogonal reference frame XYZ.

In this case, corresponding to the first optical center O₁According to a first optical axis Z₁In the second geometric phase lens L₂Projection P of₁From a first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂The combined rotation of (a) introduces an offset equal to d.tan (theta)₁). Finally, the separation angle δ is given by the following approximate relation:

[ mathematical formula 2]

For a first distance D in the range of 3mm and a small tilt angle theta₁Value (in the range of a few degrees, actually less than 20 degrees), angle-separation law delta/theta₁In the range of 0.12.

In this example, the separation planes of the right and left circular polarizations of the incident beam 100 are parallel to the propagation axis of the incident beam 100 and connect in the first opticsHeart O₁And a second optical center O₂The line of (2).

Alternatively, at the first optical center O₁And the second optical center O₂The offset introduced therebetween can be determined by the previously introduced lateral offset and the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂A combination of joint tilts with respect to the incident beam 100. First geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Are simultaneously tilted by the rotating means 7 so as to be parallel to the first optical axis Z at the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100₁Introducing an inclination angle theta between₁. Due to the first optical axis Z₁And a second optical axis Z₂Parallel, and therefore at the propagation axis of the incident beam 100 and the second optical axis Z₂The same angle theta is observed therebetween₁. Angle of inclination theta₁Between 0 ° and 90 ° (that is to say between 0 and 1.57 radians), preferably less than 20 ° (in the case of small inclination angles).

Fig. 4 shows such a variant of the polarization separation device 1 according to the invention. Which corresponds to a variant of the first embodiment, wherein the lens is formed by a first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂The groups formed are slanted. In other words, the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Is offset by a second distance e in a direction transverse to the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100₁Then tilted, for example by rotating means 7, so that the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100 and the first optical axis Z₁Form another inclination angle theta₂. Thus, the direction of propagation of the incident light beam 100 is relative to the first optical axis Z₁And a second optical axis Z₂Inclined by another angle of inclination theta₂. In practice, the angle of inclination θ₂Less than 20.

In this case, the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂Of the first optical center O introduced by the joint rotation₁Projection P of₁And the second optical center O₂An offset between is equal to d.tan (theta)₂). Finally, the separation angle δ between the first polarized light beam 110 and the second polarized light beam 120 is given by the following relation：

[ mathematical formula 3]

Second distance e₁May be fixed by construction. Advantageously, due to the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂This variant allows to introduce the first geometric phase lens L in the lateral direction at a lower cost₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂An adjustable offset between.

As previously mentioned and shown in fig. 5, the device 1 may optionally comprise a lens 9. The lens 9 is adapted to be compensated by a first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂The first distance D in between quantifies a defocusing phenomenon caused by the longitudinal distance. This lens 9 then allows to ensure that the polarized beam is also collimated, that is to say that the radius of curvature is infinite. The lens 9 is selected to limit the introduction of aberrations at the output of the device 1. The lens 9 is, for example, a diverging conventional lens.

In practice, the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂The first distance D therebetween may be at the origin of defocus between the first polarized beam 110 and the second polarized beam 120.

The relative defocus a between two polarized beams depends on the radius of curvature associated with each polarization and is expressed as the deviation between the two respective powers.

In practice, with respect to the right circularly polarized component of the incident beam 100 (e.g., emitted by the light source 2 shown in fig. 5), the associated radius of curvature is given by the following relationship:

[ mathematical formula 4]

With respect to the left circularly polarized component of the incident beam 100, the associated radius of curvature is given by the relationship:

[ math figure 5]

Therefore, the relative defocus Δ that may be compensated for is given by the following relation:

[ mathematical formula 6]

The focal length of the lens 9 is determined so as to reduce the determined relative defocus a. Here, the lens 9 has no influence on the polarization of the polarized light beam and the angular spacing δ.

For example, for a geometric phase lens focal length equal to F-50 mm and a longitudinal distance between two geometric phase lenses equal to D-3 mm, the radii of curvature associated with the two polarizations are in the following ranges: r₁-783mm and R₂-883 mm. The relative defocus Δ is in the following range: Δ ═ 0.146 diopters. For example, a diverging lens 9 with a focal length f-1000 mm is connected at the output end with the second geometric phase lens L₂Are oppositely arranged. The corrected radius of curvature is then estimated as: r₁-3608mm and R₂＝-7547mm。

Alternatively, the value of the first distance D may be determined in order to compensate for the relative defocus Δ. For this purpose, the average curvature radius R may be fixed in advance_avThe value of (c). The fixed value is selected so as to be able to be compensated by the selected lens. The average radius of curvature is given by the following relation:

[ mathematical formula 7]

The first distance D is defined by the mean radius of curvature R_avIs determined. For example, for anchoring at R_avAverage radius of curvature R of 1000mm and focal length of geometric phase lens equal to F50 mm_avValue of (1) toThe first distance D was found to be equal to D2.5 mm. The radii of curvature associated with both polarizations are equal to: r₁950mm and R₂1050 mm. Introducing a diverging lens 9 with a focal length equal to f-1000 mm, the corrected radius of curvature being equal to: r₁19000mm and R₂21000mm, allowing a reduction in the relative defocus a).

The polarization separation device 2 may also optionally comprise a quarter-wave retardation plate 11. A quarter-wave retardation plate is arranged on the second geometric phase lens L₂To the output terminal of (a). Quarter-wave retardation plate 11 allows the orthogonal circular polarizations to be converted into orthogonal linear polarizations. Thus, a polarization separation device is obtained which angularly separates an incident light beam into two light beams having orthogonal linear polarizations. Thus, the combination of two geometric phase lenses and a quarter-wave retardation plate allows the functionality of a wollaston prism to be replicated in the form of a thin device.

In the application of differential interferometry, quarter-wave retardation plates are capable of recombining polarized light beams, for example in the case of reflection of these beams on the surface to be studied.

This is especially true when the polarization separation apparatus 1 is integrated in a differential interferometry system (fig. 6 and 7). This technique allows the relative change of the two optical paths to be measured. For example, in the case of monitoring plasma etching or erosion of the surface 20, one of the polarized beams is reflected by the eroded area 22 and the other polarized beam is reflected by the protected area 25 of the plasma.

In this case the device 1 acts as a combiner of the reflected beams and in order that these beams are not separated again by the device 1, the quarter-wave retardation plate 11 allows to reverse the polarization between forward and reverse.

According to a first example of a differential interferometry system 50, shown in fig. 6, a device 1 is manufactured according to the first embodiment described previously. The differential interferometry system 50 comprises a light source 2, a (non-polarizing) separating means 30 and a detection unit 40. These elements are in accordance with conventionally used elements and will not be described in detail here.

In the device 1 a quarter-wave retardation plate 11 is located, for example, after the lens 9 for compensating for defocusing. The quarter-wave retardation plate 11 is then able to convert the incident light beam into linear polarization and the reflected light beam into circular polarization.

According to a second example of a differential interferometry system 52, shown in fig. 7, an apparatus 1 is manufactured according to a second embodiment in which no lateral shift of the geometrically phased lenses is observed, only the joint rotation of the two geometrically phased lenses allowing to obtain the first optical center O₁And the second optical center O₂An offset between them.

Still alternatively (not shown), the differential interferometry system can include a polarization separation device 1 as shown in FIG. 4.

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the polarization separation device 1 according to the present invention. According to this further embodiment, the device 1 comprises two pairs of geometric phase lenses: first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂On the other hand, a third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄. Geometric phase lens L₁、L₂、L₃And L₄Positioned in series on the propagation axis of the incident beam 100, at a second geometric phase lens L₂And a third geometric phase lens L₃Has a fifth distance S therebetween₁。

For example, the third geometric phase lens L₃Having a third optical center O₃A third optical axis Z₃And a third focal length F₃. Fourth geometric phase lens L₄Having a fourth optical center O₄The fourth optical axis Z₄And a fourth focal length F₄. Preferably, the third focal length F₃And a fourth focal length F₄Equal to the focal length F (similar to the first focal length F)₁And a second focal length F₂). Alternatively, the third focal length F₃And a fourth focal length F₄May be equal to or different from the focal length F (and the first focal length F)₁And a second focal length F₂Equal) another focal length F_A. If the third focal length F₃And a fourth focal length F₄May be different from each other but still close, e.g. with a deviation of less than or equal to 10%, the device also operates.

Here, the third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Has spherical optical power. Third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Are oriented such that each is convergent for one circular polarization and divergent for the other. In this case, the third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Respectively focused on the third optical axis Z₃Upper focal point F₃and-F₃And a fourth optical axis Z₄Upper focal point F₄and-F₄. Alternatively, the third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Having cylindrical power while being convergent for one circular polarization and divergent for the other. In the case of lenses having cylindrical power, e.g. in the third geometric phase lens L₃Having cylindrical power, parallel to the third optical axis Z₃According to a third optical axis Z₃The orthogonal line segments passing through the circularly polarized focal point F₃Is focused and according to a third optical axis Z₃The other line segment, orthogonal, is focused through another circularly polarized focal point-F3. Whether they have spherical or cylindrical power, these geometric phase lenses can correct for different geometric aberrations, as if a spherical or cylindrical conventional lens were referred to as an aspheric or non-cylindrical lens.

Third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Are located in the same direction. For example, the third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄A lens L in phase with the first geometric phase₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂In the same direction. Alternatively, the third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Can be positioned at the first geometric phase lens L₁And a second geometric phase lens L₂In the opposite direction.

Typically, the third optical axis Z₃And a fourth optical axis Z₄Forming an angle of less than a few degrees. Hereinafter, the third optical axis Z₃And a fourth optical axis Z₄Parallel. Alternatively, the third optical axis Z₃And a fourth optical axis Z₄And (4) overlapping.

According to a first optical axis Z₁Third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄In contact with each other or separated by a third distance D'. In fact, the third distance D' is smaller than the third focal distance F₃And a fourth focal length F₄. The third distance D' is less than the third focal distance F₃And a fourth focal length F₄20% of the total. Preferably, the third distance D' is, for example, smaller than the third focal distance F₃And a fourth focal length F₄10% of the total. In other words, the third distance D' is as small as possible. At a third focal length F₃And a fourth focal length F₄Equal to the focal length F, the third distance D' is less than the focal length F.

Here, the third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Are placed close to each other (hence, the third geometric phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄A third distance D' therebetween is small compared to the focal distance F). For example, the third distance D' is in the range of 3 mm.

According to this third embodiment, the fourth optical center O₄Relative to the first optical axis Z in a direction transverse to the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100₁Offset by a non-zero fourth distance e'. In practice, the device 1 here comprises, for example, a third phase lens L₃And a fourth geometric phase lens L₄Another translation means in between. The fourth distance e' is between 100 μm and a few millimeters. By construction, the third optical center O₃According to a third optical axis Z₃At the fourth geometric phase lens L₄Projection P of₃Located at a distance O from the fourth optical center₄Is at a fourth distance e'.

The other translation means being adapted to translate according to a direction transverse to the first optical axis Z₁Relative to the third optical center O₃The fourth optical center O₄Offset by a fourth distance e'. In fact, therefore, the further translation means are adapted to operate according to a translation transverse to the first optical axis Z₁Is directed to the fourth geometric phase lens L₄Offset by a fourth distance e'. In fact, the line segment P₁O₂Line segment P contained in a plane XY orthogonal to axis Z₃O₄Contained in another plane XY orthogonal to axis Z. By construction, line segment P₁O₂Having a line segment P₃O₄The opposite direction.

For example, as shown in fig. 8, the fourth optical axis Z is due to the further translation means₄Relative to the third optical axis Z₃Offset by a fourth distance e'. Fourth optical axis Z₄Relative to the third optical axis Z₃Is directed from the fourth optical center O₄Relative to the first optical axis Z₁Is defined. For example, another offset direction is from the fourth optical center O₄Relative to the third optical axis Z₃The position in the plane XY. Alternatively, the other offset direction may be from the fourth optical center O₄The position relative to the propagation axis of the incident light beam 100.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first pair of geometric phase lenses (L)₁、L₂) And a second pair of geometric phase lenses (L)₃、L₄) Separated by a fifth distance S₁. In fact, the first optical center O₁And the fourth optical center O₄Separated by a fifth distance S₁。

As shown in fig. 8, advantageously in accordance with the present invention, an incident light beam 100 is first separated in angle and polarization into a first polarized light beam 110 and a second polarized light beam 120. Advantageously according to the invention, the first polarized light beam 110 and the second polarized light beam 120 have orthogonal circular polarizations. First separation angle delta₁Is defined between the collimated first 110 and second 120 polarized beams. The first polarized light beam 110 is then redirected again by a second separation angle δ₂To form a third polarized beam 114. The first polarized light beam 110 and the third polarized light beam 114 have the same polarization. Second angle of separation delta₂Is defined between the first 110 and third 114 polarized beams.

Symmetrically, the second polarized light beam 120 is redirected again by a second separation angle δ₂And/2 to form a fourth polarized beam 122. The fourth polarized light beam 122 and the second polarized light beam 120 have the same polarization. Similarly, the second separation angle δ₂2 minAway from the fourth polarized light beam 122 and the second polarized light beam 120.

The total angular separation δ at the output of the device 1 shown in fig. 8₃Equal to: delta₃＝δ₁+δ₂。

As shown in FIG. 8, the axes of the third and fourth polarized beams 114, 122 are at a distance O from the fourth optical center₄A sixth distance S₂At a point I which intersects the output of the device 1.

[ mathematical formula 8]

Thus, the distance at which the axes of the third and fourth polarized light beams 114, 122 intersect depends on the one hand on the lateral offset between the first and second geometric phase lenses and on the other hand on the lateral offset between the third and fourth geometric phase lenses and on the fifth distance S separating the two pairs of geometric phase lenses₁。

Advantageously, this third embodiment may be used in the context of a differential contrast optical microscope. This technique is used to highlight the low heterogeneity. For this reason, in addition to angularly separating the incident beams, it is also interesting to ensure that the two separated polarized beams intersect outside the separating means. This known device is based on a Nomarski (Nomarski) prism. The third embodiment of the polarization separation device 1 according to the present invention is more compact than the known device. In addition, it has the advantage of being able to adjust the separation angle of the polarized beams and the position of the intersection of the output beams. It also allows the quality of the differential contrast mode to be maintained when the objective lens of the microscope is changed or a variable magnification objective lens is used. Finally, production is simplified since only one geometric phase lens is used to achieve multiple separation angles and crossover positions.

Alternatively, the apparatus 1 may comprise a geometric phase lens L₁And a geometric phase lens L₂A part of (a). In this case, the part of the geometric phase lens behaves like a Fresnel lensAnd (6) rows.