Modeling and Application of Conical Refraction in Biaxial Crystals

Conical refraction is a well-known phenomenon caused by optical anisotropy. It occurs when a convergent beam propagates through a biaxial crystal along one of its optic axes: the transmitted field evolves into a cone that is highly dependent on the polarization state of the input beam. Several applications have been developed based on this phenomenon; using it as the basis for polarization metrology is one of the most interesting.

With the fast physical optics modeling and design software VirtualLab Fusion, this effect and its applications can be fully investigated. Take a look at the examples below, where we first demonstrate the basic principles of conical refraction with a circularly polarized input beam, and then analyze the design of a polarimeter with two biaxial crystals in separated arms.