Polarization tailored novel vector beams based on conical refraction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for generating and controlling vector beams using conical refraction in biaxial crystals, with potential applications in advanced optical systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach to produce and manipulate vector beams via conical refraction, including the first identification and control of polarization singularities.

Findings

Experimental and theoretical validation of SOP control

Demonstration of shape and SOP manipulation of vector beams

Identification and control of polarization singularities

Abstract

Coherent vector beams with involved states of polarization (SOP) are widespread in the literature, having applications in laser processing, super-resolution imaging and particle trapping. We report novel vector beams obtained by transforming a Gaussian beam passing through a biaxial crystal, by means of the conical refraction phenomenon. We analyze both experimentally and theoretically the SOP of the different vector beams generated and demonstrate that the SOP of the input beam can be used to control both the shape and the SOP of the transformed beam. We also identify polarization singularities of such beams for the first time and demonstrate their control by the SOP of an input beam.