Hydrodynamics Explanation for the Splitting of Higher-charge Optical Vortices

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a 2D hydrodynamics model can explain the splitting and behavior of higher-charge optical vortices in laser light and quantum fluids, highlighting the effects of asymmetry.

Contribution

It introduces a hydrodynamics-based explanation for vortex splitting and motion, applicable to both optical and quantum fluid systems, under various asymmetries.

Findings

Hydrodynamics model explains vortex splitting.

Asymmetry causes vortex breakup or union.

Model applies to laser and quantum fluids.

Abstract

We show that a two-dimensional hydrodynamics model provides a physical explanation for the splitting of higher-charge optical vortices under elliptical deformations. The model is applicable to laser light and quantum fluids alike. The study delineates vortex breakups from vortex unions under different forms of asymmetry in the beam, and it is also applied to explain the motion of intact higher-charge vortices.