The operation of a crystalline lens is based on the phenomenon of birefringence in crystals belonging to such compound lenses in various combinations. Crystalline systems are typically used in the form of two types of prisms: prisms giving one linearly polarized beam at the output (polarizing prisms), and prisms giving two beams that are polarized in two mutually perpendicular planes (birefringent prisms). This article discusses the types and properties of polarized waves (laser radiation) arising from the propagation of convergent laser radiation through a crystalline compound lens (CCL). The CCL is formed by a variety of birefringent prisms (prisms of Wollaston, Rochon, Sénarmont etc.), consisting of two wedges of uniaxial crystals. At normal incidence of laser radiation on the input face of the CCL there is a shift between the wavefronts of ordinary (o) and extraordinary (e) beams at the output of the CCL. The superposition of these waves at the output of the CCL results in the emergence of an interference pattern that can be used in a variety of laser polarized interferometers. When the collimated laser beam is incident on the input face of the CCL at an arbitrary angle, four waves are formed at its output. This article discusses the condition for the emergence of these four polarized waves at the output of the CCL, presents the expressions describing each wave, studies the condition for the emergence of interference patterns, types of these interference patterns, and compares the results of theoretical calculations with the experimental data.

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