Adaptive helical mirror for generation of optical phase singularity

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Wave Phenomena
• Optical Metrology

Background:

• Optical phase singularities are fundamental wave phenomena with applications in microscopy, optical trapping, and information processing.
• Generating and controlling these singularities, particularly their topological charge, remains a key challenge in optical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel adaptive helical mirror (AHM) capable of generating optical phase singularities.
• To demonstrate the AHM's ability to produce singular beams with controllable topological charges.

Main Methods:

• Design and construction of a specialized adaptive mirror that can be deformed into a helical shape.
• Utilizing a Michelson interferometer setup to detect and analyze the generated optical phase singularities.
• Controlling the topological charge of the singular beam by adjusting the excitation voltage applied to the AHM.

Main Results:

• The adaptive helical mirror successfully generated optical phase singularities.
• The device provided continuous phase variation in the azimuthal direction, characteristic of helical beams.
• The topological charge (positive or negative) of the singular beam was precisely controlled via the excitation voltage.

Conclusions:

• The developed adaptive helical mirror is an effective tool for generating and controlling optical phase singularities.
• The AHM offers a versatile platform for creating singular beams with tunable topological charges.
• This technology has potential applications in advanced optical systems requiring precise control over beam properties.