Propagation evolution of an off-axis high-order cylindrical vector beam

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Electromagnetism
• Beam Propagation

Background:

• High-order cylindrical vector beams (HCVBs) exhibit unique polarization properties.
• Off-axis propagation introduces complexities not present in on-axis beams.
• Understanding beam dynamics is crucial for optical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive analytic expressions for the electric field and intensity of off-axis high-order cylindrical vector beams (OHCVBs) in free space.
• To investigate the propagation characteristics and intensity distribution of OHCVBs.
• To analyze the influence of propagation distance, dislocation displacement, and topological charge on beam behavior.

Main Methods:

• Derivation of analytic expressions for OHCVB electric field and intensity.
• Numerical simulations to study beam propagation dynamics.
• Analysis of intensity distribution changes with varying parameters.

Main Results:

• The transverse intensity distribution of OHCVBs is not axially symmetric due to off-axis dislocation.
• Beam intensity distribution evolves with propagation distance, eventually stabilizing.
• The dark core of the vector beam diminishes during propagation.
• Increasing topological charge shifts energy from the x-axis to the y-axis, splitting the annular intensity.

Conclusions:

• The study provides novel analytic insights into OHCVB propagation.
• Propagation dynamics are significantly influenced by off-axis conditions and beam parameters.
• Findings aid in understanding and calibrating off-axis vector beams in practical scenarios.