Abstract
The concept of a gradient-oriented state of polymers is formulated for the first time and some regularities of the formation of this state are established. The specific influence of non-homogeneous mechanical fields is demonstrated by means of the example of the creation of gradient birefringence (GB) elements. These are the focus of research into the new non-traditional direction of gradient birefringence (GB) optics. Possible areas of application for GB elements are polarized compensators, polarized holography and photonics, the interference-polarizing GB monochromator, luminescence analysis, etc.