Vectorial polarimetry apparatus with phase and polarization spatial control

摘要

A vectorial polarimetry apparatus and method with phase-wavefront control for analysing the three-dimensional electromagnetic field resulting from an interaction between a focused illuminating light beam and a sample to be observed the apparatus comprising an illumination source (14) for generating a beam of light; means (40, 42) for controlling the phase of the beam of light at at least two positions across the width of the beam and a focusing system (50) for bringing said illuminating light beam to a focus, wherein the focusing system has a numerical aperture high enough as to produce a tight focus with a suitable three-dimensional vectorial structure at the focus.