Parallel Polarization State Generation

Optomechanically Induced Birefringence and Optomechanically Induced Faraday Effect

We demonstrate an optomechanical platform where optical mode conversion mediated by mechanical motion enables the arbitrary tailoring of polarization states of propagating light fields. Optomechanical interactions are realized in a Fabry-Pérot resonator, which naturally supports two polarization-degenerate states while an optical control field induces rotational symmetry breaking. Applying such principles, the entire Poincaré sphere is spanned by just optical control of the driving field, realizing reciprocal and nonreciprocal optomechanically induced birefringence for linearly polarized and circularly polarized control driving. A straightforward extension of this setup also enables all-optical tunable isolation and circulation. Our findings open new avenues to exploit optomechanics for the arbitrary manipulation of light polarization.

On the equivalence between Young's double-slit and crystal double-refraction interference experiments

We show, both analytically and experimentally, that under common experimental conditions the interference pattern produced in a classic Young's double-slit experiment is indistinguishable from that generated by means of a doubly refracting uniaxial crystal whose optic axis makes a skew angle with the light propagation direction. The equivalence between diffraction and crystal optics interference experiments, taken for granted by Arago and Fresnel in their pioneering research on the interference of polarized light beams, is thus rigorously proven.