title: Optomechanical shape analysis using group theory.
abstract: We describe an optomechanical technique using a knife-edge, which is scanned spatially across a beam of light to identify shape-based irradiance. Symmetry groups are identified through linear and rotational scanning signatures of illuminated shapes. The scanning signature is used to classify the shape into a symmetry group. To demonstrate the shape analysis technique, we have classified basic geometric shapes, which belong to the orthogonal and dihedral symmetry groups O(2), D(2), D(3), and D(6).
authors.affiliation: Physics and Astronomy Department, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York 12604, USA. jemagnes@vassar.edu
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Magnes
authors.forename: Margo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kinneberg
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Khakurel
authors.forename: Noureddine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Melikechi