Abstract

We have derived a closed-form expression for the angle between polarizations of ordinary and extraordinary rays in uniaxial crystals for, first, any two rays propagating in the material, and, second, for rays coming from refraction. We show the cases in which orthogonality holds and that, in general, the deviation from orthogonality is rather small, for it depends on the difference of the optical indices. Specific examples for calcite and quartz are given.

© 2016 Optical Society of America

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