Tailoring an arbitrary large vectorial structured light beam array utilizing the tensor theory of multiplexed...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Vectorial structured light beams offer unique properties for optical communication, data encryption, and optical trapping.
• Generating tailored beams with arbitrary polarization and large topological charge typically requires complex optical setups or fabrication methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for generating large arrays of vectorial structured light beams with arbitrary control over topological charge and polarization.
• To demonstrate the experimental feasibility of this method using readily available materials and techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multiplexed polarization holograms and computer-generated holography.
• Employed azo-carbazole polymer film for beam generation.
• Developed a theoretical framework for double-exposure polarization holography.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated an 8x8 array of structured vector beams with arbitrary topological charges and polarization distributions over a 3mm x 3mm area.
• Demonstrated the generation of vector vortex beam arrays with exceptionally large topological charges (l=100) by leveraging the polymer film's space-bandwidth product.
• Achieved experimental realization by simply illuminating the hologram with a plane Gaussian beam, requiring no additional optics.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a versatile and efficient approach for creating complex vectorial structured light beam arrays.
• This technique significantly simplifies the generation of tailored light beams, opening new avenues for applications in optics and photonics.