Z polarization device ZPol

ZPol produces "z-polarization", the light polarize in the direction of its propagation. "Z-polarization" has even been forgotten because propagating light only contain transverse electromagnetic wave of x and y polarization. The new technology from nanophoton easily create the forgotten "z-polariztion". ZPol enables us to obtain 3D orientation of molecules and crystal, unlike conventionla polarizers and wave plates.

ZPol Catalog(PDF) [136K]

Z-polarization is produced by a combination of a ZPol and a high-NA lens. First, liner polarization is incident to the ZPol and converted to radial polarization. Second, the focal spot given by the lens has strong z-polarized light through the interference of radial polarization at the geometrical focus. By rotating the ZPol, it is also possible to produce Azimuthal polarization which does not contain z-polarization at the focus.

The right figure shows an example of ZPol applications. Raman scattering from carbon nanotubes was measured with x- and z-polarization. The radial breathing mode of the nanotubes is specifically detected by z-polarization. ZPol provides a new detection technique sensitive to molecular orientation in 3D.