Selective formation of generalized optical skyrmions

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Topological Matter

Background:

• Optical skyrmions are topologically protected quasiparticles that have been subject to various deformations.
• Precise control over their topological textures is crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel scheme for the selective formation of generalized optical skyrmions.
• To demonstrate on-demand manipulation of topological textures in quasiparticles.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a liquid-crystal spatial light modulator and a variable liquid-crystal retarder.
• Employed programmable devices for precise manipulation of topological textures.
• Conducted proof-of-concept experiments to validate the proposed scheme.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated generalized optical skyrmions with a skyrmion number up to 5.
• Achieved on-demand tailored topological textures.
• Demonstrated the system's capacity for manipulating intricate high-order textures.

Conclusions:

• The proposed scheme allows for selective formation of generalized optical skyrmions.
• The system offers a simple yet powerful tool for manipulating complex topological textures.
• This work holds considerable potential for sophisticated applications in skyrmion generation and manipulation.