Spin-orbit interactions in optically active materials.
We investigate the inherent influence of light polarization on the intensity distribution in anisotropic media undergoing a local inhomogeneous rotation of the principal axes. Whereas, in general, such a configuration implies a complicated interaction between the geometric and the dynamic phase, we show that, in a medium showing an inhomogeneous circular birefringence, the geometric phase vanishes. Due to the spin-orbit interaction, the two circular polarizations perceive reversed spatial distribution of the dynamic phase. Based on this effect, polarization-selective lenses, waveguides, and beam deflectors are proposed.
Chandroth P
CP
Jisha
Alessandro
A
Alberucci