Discrete Cylindrical Vector Beam Generation from an Array of Optical Fibers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for generating discrete cylindrical vector beams by coherently combining multiple fiber outputs arranged in a circle, resulting in a far field pattern with a central null.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel fiber array configuration and superposition technique to produce discrete cylindrical vector beams with specific polarization and intensity characteristics.

Findings

Far field pattern exhibits a central null, unlike parallel linear polarization.

Effective radially polarized vector beam is achieved through superposition.

Method enables controlled beam shaping for advanced optical applications.

Abstract

A novel method is presented for the beam shaping of far field intensity distributions of coherently combined fiber arrays. The fibers are arranged uniformly on the perimeter of a circle, and the linearly polarized beams of equal shape are superimposed such that the far field pattern represents an effective radially polarized vector beam, or discrete cylindrical vector (DCV) beam. The DCV beam is produced by three or more beams that each individually have a varying polarization vector. The beams are appropriately distributed in the near field such that the far field intensity distribution has a central null. This result is in contrast to the situation of parallel linearly polarized beams, where the intensity peaks on axis.