Generation of vector beams and their focal properties

Xi-Lin Wang; Jianping Ding; Si-Hong Zhai; Jing Chen; Ya-Xian Fan; Hui-Tian Wang

doi:10.1117/12.755848

4 January 2008 Generation of vector beams and their focal properties

Xi-Lin Wang, Jianping Ding, Si-Hong Zhai, Jing Chen, Ya-Xian Fan, Hui-Tian Wang

Proceedings Volume 6832, Holography and Diffractive Optics III; 68320I (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.755848
Event: Photonics Asia 2007, 2007, Beijing, China

Abstract

We describe a convenient way to generate arbitrary vector beams by using a spatial light modulator, based on interferometric superposition of two orthogonally polarized beams. In our constructed optical setup, the SLM is used to produce a computer-generated holographic grating that diffracts a linearly polarized incident light into the +1st and -1st diffraction orders with desired wavefronts. After the two diffraction beams pass through two quarter wave-plates, the left- and right-handed circularly polarizations are yielded, respectively. Then a Rochi grating is utilized to recombine the two beams into single one such that any desired polarization configuration is achieved. We demonstrate the versatility of our method through optical experiment, in which a variety of polarization beams are realized. By making use of the incident wave with helical phase, our technique can produce both cylindrically symmetric and asymmetric polarizations. To the best of our knowledge, the experimental realization of cylindrically asymmetric polarization is reported for first time. We also study the focal properties of vector beam through a high numerical aperture lens. Starting from Richards-Wolf vectorial diffraction theory we calculate the focal field distribution and obtain some interesting focal volume structures, such as flat-topped focus, doughnut focus with special dark volume structure.

Citation Download Citation

Xi-Lin Wang, Jianping Ding, Si-Hong Zhai, Jing Chen, Ya-Xian Fan, and Hui-Tian Wang "Generation of vector beams and their focal properties", Proc. SPIE 6832, Holography and Diffractive Optics III, 68320I (4 January 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.755848

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KEYWORDS

Polarization

Spatial light modulators

Diffraction

Polarizers

Diffraction gratings

Holography

Mineralogy

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