Changing the polarization of tightly focused light could be important for future high-resolution imaging and data-storage applications. Researchers have now shown that a simple lens can do the task without the need for polarizers.
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van Hulst, N. Orienting out of a tight spot. Nature Photon 1, 208–209 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2007.39
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2007.39