Near-infrared polarimetric imaging with nonlinear flat-optics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, broadband near-infrared polarimetric imaging system using nonlinear flat-optics with all-dielectric gratings, enabling direct polarization state retrieval without moving parts.

Contribution

It presents a novel flat-optics design employing nonlinear SHG in dielectric gratings for pixel-wise polarization imaging in the near-infrared.

Findings

Achieves full Stokes vector retrieval from intensity images.

Uses a superpixel design with four polarimetric units.

Provides a scalable, passive, cost-effective polarimetric imaging solution.

Abstract

A compact and broadband polarimetric imaging platform is presented, based on second-harmonic generation (SHG) in nonlinear flat-optics. The system employs periodic all-dielectric AlGaAs gratings to induce polarization-dependent SH emission, enabling pixel by pixel direct retrieval of the full Stokes vector from an input intensity distribution in the near-infrared range. By engineering the geometry and orientation of the polarimetric units, sensitivity to linear and circular polarization components is achieved. A superpixel design comprising four polarimetric structures allows accurate reconstruction of the polarization state without moving parts or sequential measurements. This approach offers a scalable, passive, and cost-effective solution for polarimetric imaging, particularly suited for near-infrared applications.