Vectorial fiber laser using intracavity axial birefringence

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Fiber lasers are crucial for various applications.
• Controlling laser output modes, especially polarization, is key for advanced functionalities.
• Vectorial modes offer unique polarization properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the polarization properties of a fiber laser with an intracavity c-cut calcite crystal.
• To demonstrate the generation of reconfigurable vectorial output modes.
• To explore the spatial polarization evolution within the laser cavity.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a fiber laser incorporating a c-cut calcite crystal.
• Employing lens translation within the laser cavity to control mode generation.
• Analyzing mode polarization evolution through detailed studies.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated reconfigurable vectorial modes, including radial, azimuthal, and generalized cylindrical polarizations.
• Observed distinct spatial polarization homogeneity and inhomogeneity within the laser cavity.
• Demonstrated the generation of complex vectorial vortex output modes via angular misalignments.

Conclusions:

• The developed fiber laser design enables tunable vectorial output modes.
• Understanding spatial polarization evolution opens new avenues for fiber laser design.
• Potential applications exist in areas requiring tailored polarization states.