Generation of optical vortices imitating water vortices

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that circularly polarized light diffracted through a circular aperture can generate optical vortices with orbital angular momentum, mimicking water vortices and enabling particle rotation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of generating optical vortices via diffraction, linking water vortex phenomena to optical vortex creation.

Findings

Diffracted circularly polarized beams carry orbital angular momentum.

Optical vortices can transfer angular momentum to particles.

The method mimics natural water vortices using light.

Abstract

In optics, we can generate vortex beams using specific methods such as spiral phase plates or computer generated holograms. While, in nature, it is worth noting that water can produce vortices by a circularly symmetrical hole. So, if a light beam can generate vortex when it is diffracted by an aperture? Here, we show that the light field in the Fresnel region of the diffracted circularly polarized beam carries orbital angular momentum, which can transfer to the trapped particles and make orbital rotation.