Winding and singularities in optical fields
Follow a closed path and watch how phase or polarization winds. Around a singularity, the winding number can say more than the precise shape of the path. It offers an intuitive entry into topology.
Begin with winding and singularities, then connect structures in optical fields to a more abstract topological description.
Abstract topic illustration
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Interactive demo
Phase & interference ↗Change the relative phase to move interference fringes; add a vortex to reveal a dark core and forks.