Building ideal paraxial optical skyrmions using rational maps

TL;DR

This paper presents a mathematical method using rational maps to construct various ideal paraxial optical skyrmions, including lattices, providing a foundation for experimental generation and further exploration of skyrmion dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a simple mathematical framework for creating diverse optical skyrmion fields, extending beyond traditional single skyrmion beams.

Findings

Provides guidelines for experimental generation of skyrmion fields

Enables construction of complex skyrmion lattices and multi-skyrmions

Lays groundwork for studying skyrmion nucleation and annihilation

Abstract

We introduce a simple mathematical expression based on rational maps to construct ideal paraxial optical skyrmions fields including Neel-type and Bloch-type skyrmions, anti-skyrmions, bimerons and multi-skyrmions, including skyrmion lattices. We review the rules that fully polarized paraxial light fields must obey to be considered as optical skyrmions. This work provides guidelines for the experimental generation of general skyrmion fields, beyond conventional single skyrmion beams. This lays the foundation for the exploration of nucleation and annihilation mechanisms in multiskyrmions fields