title: Generation of nearly 3D-unpolarized evanescent optical near fields using total internal reflection.
abstract: We analyze the time-domain partial polarization of optical fields composed of two evanescent waves created in total internal reflection by random electromagnetic beams with orthogonal planes of incidence. We show that such a two-beam configuration enables to generate nearly unpolarized, genuine three-component (3D) near fields. This result complements earlier studies on spectral polarization, which state that at least three symmetrically propagating beams are required to produce a 3D-unpolarized near field. The degree of polarization of the near field can be controlled by adjusting the polarization states and mutual correlation of the incident beams.
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hassinen
authors.forename: Sergei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Popov
authors.forename: Ari T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Friberg
authors.forename: Tero
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Setälä