Formation of hybrid higher-order cylindrical vector beams using binary multi-sector phase plates

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Electromagnetism
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) are crucial for advanced laser applications like material processing and optical manipulation.
• Higher-order and hybrid CVBs offer enhanced potential in contemporary optics due to their complex polarization states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically analyze and experimentally demonstrate the transformation of first-order CVBs into hybrid higher-order CVBs.
• To investigate the role of phase element design in controlling polarization transformation and vector optical field generation.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of polarization transformation using phase elements with cosine/sine azimuthal angle functions.
• Fabrication and experimental investigation of binary multi-sector phase plates approximating these functions.
• Analysis of the influence of sector number and height difference on generated hybrid CVBs.

Main Results:

• Successfully transformed first-order CVBs into hybrid higher-order CVBs using fabricated phase plates.
• Demonstrated polarization transformation even under weak focusing conditions.
• Discussed the impact of phase plate parameters and energy distribution on the generated vector optical fields.

Conclusions:

• The developed phase plates provide a simple, efficient method for generating structured laser beams.
• The technique allows for high-efficiency, quickly-switchable dynamic control of hybrid higher-order CVBs.
• This offers advanced opportunities for applications requiring precise control of polarized light fields.