The Structure of Two-Dimensional Light: Its Singular Behaviour

This thesis investigates the world of optics at the sub-wavelength scale, with a focus on understanding the behaviour of singularities that can arise in the electromagnetic field when confined to two dimensions. Predominantly we have investigated random waves, which are the most generic form of wave patterns. By treating these singularities as if they are real particles, we make use of methods from statistical physics to investigate their behaviour, both their spatial correlations, as well as their temporal dynamics through time-resolved measurements. Finally we show that it is possible to measure both infrared and visible light simultaneously, while still retaining sensitivity to amplitude, phase and polarization for both colours.