Generating polarization vortices by using helical beams and a Twyman Green interferometer

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Information Science

Background:

• Helical beams carry orbital angular momentum, enabling advanced optical applications.
• Polarization vortices offer unique light field manipulation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate a stable interferometric system for converting helical beams into polarization vortices.
• To utilize computer-generated holograms for versatile helical beam generation.

Main Methods:

• A stable interferometric arrangement involving a polarizing beam splitter, reflector, and right-angle prism was employed.
• Liquid crystal spatial light modulators (LC-SLMs) loaded with computer-generated holograms were used to generate various helical beams.
• The generated helical beams were then transformed into polarization vortices within the interferometric setup.

Main Results:

• The stable interferometric arrangement successfully transformed helical beams into polarization vortices.
• Different intensity distributions of polarization vortices were achieved by varying the generated helical beams.
• The system demonstrated precise control over light polarization and phase.

Conclusions:

• The proposed optical setup provides an effective method for generating polarization vortices from helical beams.
• The use of LC-SLMs offers flexibility in creating diverse helical beam structures for tailored vortex generation.
• This technique has potential applications in optical manipulation, microscopy, and quantum information processing.