DMD-based generation of vector beams through a common-path interferometer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a stable, cost-effective method for generating complex vector light modes using a DMD-based common-path interferometer, enabling advanced applications in optics.

Contribution

A novel high-stability technique for generating vector light modes using a DMD and common-path interferometer, demonstrated through various experimental configurations.

Findings

Successfully generated arbitrary vector modes on a higher-order Poincaré sphere

Generated vector modes in different coordinate systems

Produced multiple vector modes simultaneously

Abstract

Complex vector modes of light, non-separable in their spatial and polarisation degrees of freedom, are revolutionising a wide variety of research fields. It is therefore not surprising that the generation techniques have evolved quite dramatically since their inception. At present it is common to use computer-controlled devices, among which digital micromirror devices have become popular. Some of the reason for this are their low-cost, their polarisation-insensitive and their high-refresh rates. As such, in this manuscript we put forward a novel technique characterised by its high stability, which is achieved through a common-path interferometer. We demonstrate the capabilities of this technique experimentally, first by generating arbitrary vector modes on a higher-order Poincar\'e sphere, secondly, by generating vector modes in different coordinates systems and finally, by generating various vector modes simultaneously. Our technique will find applications in fields such as optical manipulations, optical communications, optical metrology, among others.