Experimental generation of arbitrary abruptly autofusing Circular Airy Gaussian vortex vector beams

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Optics
• Light-Matter Interactions

Background:

• Complex vector modes exhibit nonseparable spatial and polarization properties.
• These modes display unique propagation behaviors, including periodic polarization transitions.
• Existing vector modes lack abruptly autofocusing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel class of vector modes with abruptly autofocusing properties.
• To experimentally generate and characterize these new modes.
• To explore potential applications arising from their unique behavior.

Main Methods:

• Encoding spatial degrees of freedom into Circular Airy Gaussian vortex (CAGV) beams.
• Experimental generation of arbitrary CAGV vector beams.
• Characterization of beam properties, including intermodal phase rotation.

Main Results:

• Successful experimental generation of CAGV vector beams.
• Demonstration of abruptly autofocusing behavior in these novel modes.
• Observation of unique properties like intermodal phase rotation.

Conclusions:

• Novel vector modes with abruptly autofocusing capabilities have been successfully created.
• CAGV beams offer a new platform for controlling light propagation and polarization.
• The unique properties are expected to drive innovation in optical applications.