Spatially modifying polarization state of light

摘要

Systems and methods configured for outputting light having a polarization state distribution that is spatially uniform by applying a correction to, for example, a beam of light with a spatially uniform polarization state distribution that has been altered (unintentionally or otherwise) to become spatially non-uniform are described. A projection system can include an optical element and a polarization-altering device (PAD). The optical element can cause a polarization of light in the projection system to be spatially non-uniform. The PAD can change the polarization state distribution of the light spatially based on an amount of spatial non-uniformity on the light caused by the optical element and before the light enters the optical element. The projection system can output the light having a spatially uniform polarization state distribution.

主权项

1. An optical system comprising: an optical element configured to cause a polarization state distribution of light in the optical system to change from a predetermined polarization state distribution to a modified polarization state distribution of the light; and a polarization-altering optical device (PAD) configured to change the modified polarization state distribution of the light back to the predetermined polarization state distribution of the light spatially based on the modified polarization state distribution of the light caused by the optical element, wherein the optical system is configured to output the light having the predetermined polarization state distribution.