Microsphere kinematics from the polarization of tightly focused nonseparable light

Recently, it was shown that vector beams can be utilized for fast kinematic sensing via measurements of their global polarization state [Optica 2, 864 (2015)]. The method relies on correlations between the spatial and polarization degrees of freedom of the illuminating field which result from its nonseparable mode structure. Here, we extend the method to the nonparaxial regime. We study experimentally and theoretically the far-field polarization state generated by the scattering of a dielectric microsphere in a tightly focused vector beam as a function of the particle position. Using polarization measurements only, we demonstrate position sensing of a Mie particle in three dimensions. Our work extends the concept of back focal plane interferometry and highlights the potential of polarization analysis in optical tweezers employing structured light. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

Vector beams have been shown to be utilized for fast kinematic sensing through measurements of their global polarization state. The method relies on correlations between the spatial and polarization degrees of freedom of the illuminating field, and has been extended to the nonparaxial regime, demonstrating position sensing of Mie particles in three dimensions. This work highlights the potential of polarization analysis in optical tweezers employing structured light.