Focusing a radially polarized light beam to a significantly smaller spot size

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate for the first time that a radially polarized field can be focussed to a spot size significantly smaller (0.16(1) lambda^2) than for linear polarization (0.26 lambda^2). The effect of the vector properties of light is shown by a comparison of the focal intensity distribution for radially and azimuthally polarized input fields. For strong focusing a radially polarized field leads to a longitudinal electric field component at the focus which is sharp and centered at the optical axis. The relative contribution of this component is enhanced by using an annular aperture.

4 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters