Noncanonical vortex transformation and propagation in a two-dimensional optical system

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Holography

Background:

• Optical vortices carry orbital angular momentum, enabling applications in optical manipulation and communication.
• Canonical optical vortices have a predictable helical phase structure.
• Noncanonical optical vortices exhibit more complex phase structures and propagation dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally generate and characterize a noncanonical optical vortex.
• To develop an analytical model for the propagation dynamics of noncanonical optical vortices.
• To validate the analytical model against experimental observations.

Main Methods:

• Generation of an axial and canonical optical vortex using a computer-generated hologram.
• Conversion of the canonical vortex to a noncanonical vortex using a cylindrical lens.
• Experimental propagation study in free space to analyze vortex shape and trajectory.
• Derivation of an analytical expression to model the observed behavior.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced a noncanonical optical vortex.
• Observed and documented the propagation trajectory and shape evolution of the noncanonical vortex.
• Developed an analytical expression that accurately predicts the experimental findings.
• Demonstrated good agreement between computed and experimental vortex trajectories and shapes.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully generated and characterized a noncanonical optical vortex.
• A novel analytical expression provides a robust framework for understanding noncanonical vortex propagation.
• The findings contribute to the fundamental understanding and potential applications of complex optical vortex beams.