Generation of optical vortex arrays using discrete-shaped beams.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Structured Light Fields
• Beam Shaping

Background:

• Optical vortex arrays (OVAs) offer unique properties for applications like optical communication and microparticle manipulation.
• Traditional OVA design methods are limited by parametric constraints on sub-vortex shapes, restricting adaptability to new materials and complex structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel discrete beam shaping method for flexible OVA design.
• To overcome limitations of parametric shape constraints in conventional OVA design.
• To enable customization of both closed and open geometric patterns, including non-parametric shapes.

Main Methods:

• Integration of discrete path integration with the Fourier shift theorem.
• Development of a discrete beam shaping technique for flexible geometric pattern generation.
• Introduction of a polar lattice coordinate system for radially distributed OVAs.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of polygonal OVAs with tailored sub-vortices (triangles, squares, hexagons).
• Achieved full spatial utilization in close-packed OVAs and self-similarity in fractal OVAs.
• Generated radially distributed OVAs with open linear segments using a polar lattice system.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method allows unprecedented control over multiple degrees of freedom in OVAs.
• This advancement expands the design possibilities for structured light fields.
• Facilitates new applications in optical communication, microparticle manipulation, and optical machining.