Abstract

We describe observer-dependent sign inversions of the topological charges of vector field polarization singularities: $C$ points (points of circular polarization), $L$ points (points of linear polarization), and two virtually unknown singularities we call ${\gamma }^C$ and ${\alpha }^L$ points. In all cases, the sign of the charge seen by an observer can change as she changes the direction from which she views the singularity. Analytic formulas are given for all $C$ and all $L$ point sign inversions.

© 2014 Optical Society of America

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