摘要:
The present invention concerns an ultra-sensitive photonic tiltmeter or goniometer utilizing a novel optical effect named "photonic polarization gear effect", based on the orbital angular momentum of the light, to measure with high resolution and sensitivity the roll angle of a rotating object relative to a fixed measurement stage, or to perform related angular measurements. More in detail, the present invention concerns an optical system that uses a pair of photonic devices named q-plates in combination with suitable polarization optics to greatly enhance the measurement sensitivity and resolution of angular measurements based on the polarization of light. Our invention can be combined with all existing methods for the measurement of roll angles based on the polarization of light and results in an enhancement of the corresponding angular resolution and sensitivity.