Generation of cylindrical vector modes via astigmatic mode conversion

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Optics

Background:

• Cylindrical vector beams possess unique polarization properties.
• Generating these beams often requires complex setups.
• Astigmatic mode conversion is typically used for scalar beams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact technique for generating cylindrical vector beams.
• To generalize astigmatic mode conversion for vector beams with non-homogeneous polarization.
• To highlight the potential benefits for applications utilizing Michelson interferometers.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Michelson interferometer.
• Employing a π-astigmatic mode converter to invert the topological charge of higher-order Laguerre-Gauss (LG) beams.
• Experimental demonstration of the proposed compact technique.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of cylindrical vector beams using the proposed compact setup.
• Demonstration of generalized astigmatic mode conversion for vector beams.
• Experimental validation of the technique's feasibility and compactness.

Conclusions:

• The proposed technique offers a compact and effective method for generating cylindrical vector beams.
• This work extends the application of astigmatic mode conversion to complex vector beam generation.
• The technique is expected to benefit numerous applications employing Michelson interferometers and vector beams.