Generation of vector vortex beams with a small core multimode liquid core optical fiber

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Fiber Optics
• Beam Generation

Background:

• Vector vortex beams possess unique polarization and phase properties.
• Liquid core optical fibers (LCOFs) offer tunable properties for light manipulation.
• Generating higher-order vector vortex beams efficiently is crucial for advanced optical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the generation of vector vortex beams using a CS2-filled LCOF.
• To investigate the excitation of various higher-order vector modes.
• To compare the performance of LCOFs with traditional silica fibers for vector beam generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a 10-μm core multimode LCOF filled with carbon disulfide (CS2).
• Selectively exciting higher-order modes (radially, azimuthally, hybrid polarized, LP21, LP31) by adjusting input Gaussian beam incidence angle.
• Employing interferometry with single forklets to verify phase singularity.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated vector vortex beams with controlled polarization and phase.
• Achieved selective excitation of multiple higher-order vector modes.
• Observed higher excitation efficiency and enhanced bending tolerance in LCOFs compared to silica fibers.

Conclusions:

• LCOFs filled with CS2 are effective for generating vector vortex beams.
• The proposed method allows for controlled excitation of diverse higher-order vector modes.
• LCOFs present a promising alternative to silica fibers for applications requiring robust vector beam generation.