Generation of V-point polarization singularity lattices

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Structured Light Fields
• Singularity Physics

Background:

• V-points are rare in generic light fields, unlike C-points and L-lines.
• Simultaneous C-points, V-points, and L-lines can be engineered in structured optical fields.
• Lattices exclusively composed of V-points have not been previously realized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the creation of V-point polarization singularity lattices with translational periodicity.
• To achieve a novel structured light field configuration.
• To explore the fundamental properties of V-point singularities in periodic arrangements.

Main Methods:

• Interference of four or six linearly polarized plane waves in a symmetric umbrella geometry.
• Utilizing an S-waveplate to control the polarization state of each beam.
• Selective excitation of the S-waveplate to realize different V-point singularity states.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated the creation of lattices consisting only of V-point polarization singularities.
• Engineered lattices with translational periodicity.
• Populated lattices with both positive and negative index V-point singularities due to zero net charge in unit cells.
• Realized all first-order degenerate states of V-point singularities within the same setup.

Conclusions:

• The study presents the first realization of V-point-only polarization singularity lattices.
• The demonstrated method allows for the engineering of complex structured light fields.
• The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of polarization singularities and their applications in optics.