Fast generation and characterization of vector beams

We demonstrate and characterize a fast vector beam generation device based on an acousto-optic modulator embedded in a Sagnac interferometer. This technique enables switching between two programmable vector beams at a refresh rate of up to 200 kHz, whereas the refresh rate of traditional Sagnac-based systems is limited by spatial light modulators to the order of 100 Hz to 1 kHz. Tests demonstrate that our device achieves complete control over the amplitude, phase, and polarization of the diffracted light, maintaining high fidelity even under high-speed switching conditions. Our work holds promise for high-speed sensing with vector beams.