Geometric Phase in Optics: From Wavefront Manipulation to Waveguiding

Geometric phase is a unifying and central concept in physics, including optics. As matter of fact, optics played pivotal role from the inception this new paradigm, as some first experimental demonstrations have been carried out A specific type geometric was introduced by Pancharatnam while investigating interference effects between different polarizations. This phase, nowadays called Pancharatnam–Berry related to variation light polarization, encompassing exotic properties when compared with dynamic associated optical path. The most widespread manifestation occurs presence twisted anisotropic material, yielding point-wise modulation proportional local rotation angle material. Here basic mechanism behind discussed. various applications relatively original photonics are then reviewed, presenting both important results manufactured devices reported literature. interplay diffraction occurring bulk structures discussed detail. In latter case it shown how can be harnessed generate kind waveguide without necessity any index gradient.