Hybrid vector beams with non-uniform orbital angular momentum density induced by designed azimuthal polarization gradient

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel type of hybrid vector beams with unique azimuthal polarization gradients that induce non-uniform orbital angular momentum density, demonstrated through experimental design and analysis.

Contribution

The work presents a new method to generate hybrid vector beams with unprecedented azimuthal polarization gradients and non-uniform orbital angular momentum density, expanding the capabilities of structured light.

Findings

Demonstrated hybrid vector beams with complex polarization projection tracks.

Showed azimuthal polarization gradients induce non-uniform orbital angular momentum density.

Achieved customizable polarization mapping tracks through parameter tailoring.

Abstract

Based on angular amplitude modulation of orthogonal base vectors in common-path interference method, we propose an interesting type of hybrid vector beams with unprecedented azimuthal polarization gradient and demonstrate in experiment. Distinct to previously reported types, the synthetic hybrid vector beams exhibit geometrically intriguing projection tracks of angular polarization state on Poincare sphere, more than just conventional circles. More noteworthily, the designed azimuthal polarization gradients are found to be able to induce azimuthally non-uniform orbital angular momentum density, while generally uniform for circle-track cases, immersing in homogenous intensity background whatever base states are. Moreover, via tailoring relevant parameters, more special polarization mapping tracks can be handily achieved. These peculiar features may open alternative routes for new optical effects and applications.