The geometric phase made simple
Résumé
We give a simple description of the Pancharatnam-Berry geometric phase and some of its applications in optics. Geometric phases are a universal phenomenon, but we focus here on the case of geometric phases caused by changes in polarization. The geometric origin of this phase is explained by analogy with the motion of an imaginary creature living on a small planet, inspired by Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince”.
Domaines
Optique [physics.optics]| Origine | Fichiers éditeurs autorisés sur une archive ouverte |
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