Polarization singularity anisotropy: determining monstardom

C points, that is, isolated points of circular polarization in transverse fields of varying polarization, are classified morphologically into three distinct types known as lemons, stars, and monstars. These morphologies are interpreted here according to two natural parameters associated with the singularity, namely, the anisotropy of the C point and the polarization azimuth on the anisotropy axis. In addition to providing insight into singularity morphology, this observation applies to the densities of the various morphologies in isotropic random polarization speckle fields. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America