High numerical aperture Mueller matrix polarimetry and applications to multiplexed optical data storage
Author(s)
Macias Romero, Carlos Alberto
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Optical data storage has reached a point where it is no longer possible to increase
the storage capacity of an optical disk by conventional means. The work presented
here, however, proves experimentally the validity of a novel solution to increase the
capacity of an optical disk. Polarisation is used to store information multiplexed
into shape-birefringent pits. A high numerical aperture scanning confocal microscope
capable of measuring the Muller matrix of a sample is built to measure and
characterise the polarisation properties of such pits. A number of results found during
the development of the apparatus are given. Novel contributions are shown in
the areas of imaging, the theory of coherence and polarisation, polarisation imaging,
linear algebra, polarisation confocal microscopy, and optical data storage. It is
shown that the storage capacity of any existent non-volumetric optical technology
can be increased by 7.16 times, at least.
the storage capacity of an optical disk by conventional means. The work presented
here, however, proves experimentally the validity of a novel solution to increase the
capacity of an optical disk. Polarisation is used to store information multiplexed
into shape-birefringent pits. A high numerical aperture scanning confocal microscope
capable of measuring the Muller matrix of a sample is built to measure and
characterise the polarisation properties of such pits. A number of results found during
the development of the apparatus are given. Novel contributions are shown in
the areas of imaging, the theory of coherence and polarisation, polarisation imaging,
linear algebra, polarisation confocal microscopy, and optical data storage. It is
shown that the storage capacity of any existent non-volumetric optical technology
can be increased by 7.16 times, at least.
Date Issued
2010-03
Date Awarded
2010-04
Copyright Statement
Attribution NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-ND)
Advisor
Torok, Peter
Sponsor
CONACYT ; EPSRC
Creator
Macias Romero, Carlos Alberto
Publisher Department
Physics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)