I have an interest in quantum optics and have been studying the electromagnetic field, photons and related material.
I wondered what the most direct method of measuring the helicity of a photon might be.
NB: If you are interested in the idea of, ‘the helicity of a photon’ then you might like to view the answers to the question “Who knows the term Helicity of a Photon?”.
Link provided.
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Who_knows_the_term_Helicity_of_a_Photon?_tpcectx=search
If you have photons circularly polarized and you want to know if they are right-circular, or left-circular, the direct measurement is through the Beth experiment: the photon is sent upon a very light disk, suspended. The disk rotates according to the direction of circular polarization of the photon.
For more details you can look in
D. N. Moothoo, J. Arlt, R. S. Conroy, F. Akerboom, A. Voit, and K. Dholakiaa, "Beth’s experiment using optical tweezers", Am. J. Phys. 69 (3), March 2001
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