Focus shaping using cylindrical vector beams
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Shaping the Amplitude and Phase of Laser Beams by Using a Phase-only Spatial Light Modulator
Published on: January 28, 2019
Abstract:
We report a focus shaping technique using generalized cylindrical vector beams. A generalized cylindrical vector beam can be decomposed into radially polarized and azimuthally polarized components. Such a generalized cylindrical beam can be generated from a radially polarized or an azimuthally polarized light using a two-half-wave-plate polarization rotator. The intensity pattern at the focus can be tailored by appropriately adjusting the rotation angle. Peak-centered, donut and flattop focal shapes can be obtained using this technique.
Related Concept Videos
Cylinders in Three-Dimensional Space
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Deflection of a Beam
Singularity functions, described in an earlier lesson, are powerful mathematical tools that represent discontinuities within a function commonly encountered in structural loading...
Spherical and Cylindrical Capacitor
Conventionally, considering the symmetry, the electric field between the concentric shells of a spherical capacitor is directed radially outward. The magnitude of the field, calculated by...
Spherical Coordinates
Deformation in a Circular Shaft
