Cylindrical vector beam generator using a two-element interferometer
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
Published on: August 12, 2013
Abstract:
We realize a robust and compact cylindrical vector beam generator that consists of a simple two-element interferometer composed of a beam displacer and a cube beamsplitter. The interferometer operates on the higher-order Poincaré sphere transforming a homogeneously polarized vortex into a cylindrical vector (CV) beam. We experimentally demonstrate the transformation of a single vortex beam into all the well-known CV beams and show the operations on the higher-order Poincaré sphere according to the control parameters. Our method offers an alternative to the Pancharatnam-Berry phase optical elements and has the potential to be implemented as a monolithic device.
Related Concept Videos
Interference and Diffraction
Shear on the Horizontal Face of a Beam Element
Gauss's Law: Cylindrical Symmetry
Beams with Symmetric Loadings
The M/EI...
Two-Dimensional Force System
Couples: Scalar and Vector Formulation
A couple moment is a rotational force that tends to rotate the steering wheel. The wheel's rotation can either be in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. The right-hand rule is a helpful method for determining the direction of a couple moment....

