Real-time Phase Conjugation of Vector Vortex Beams

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method for real-time phase conjugation of vector vortex beams using three-wave mixing, improving their robustness against propagation perturbations for advanced optical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, fast non-linear process for full phase conjugation of vector vortex beams, enabling practical use in complex optical systems.

Findings

Successful real-time phase conjugation of vector vortex beams

Controlled by pump beam in a three-wave mixing process

Enhances robustness of vector beams in turbulent environments

Abstract

Vector vortex beams have played a fundamental role in the better understanding of coherence and polarization. They are described by spatially inhomogeneous polarization states, which present a rich optical mode structure that has attracted much attention for applications in optical communications, imaging, spectroscopy and metrology. However, this complex mode structure can be quite detrimental when propagation effects such as turbulence and birefringence perturb the beam. Optical phase conjugation has been proposed as a method to recover an optical beam from perturbations. Here we demonstrate full phase conjugation of vector vortex beams using three-wave mixing. Our scheme exploits a fast non-linear process that can be conveniently controlled via the pump beam. Our results pave the way for sophisticated, practical applications of vector beams.