Twisted polarization domains and their dynamics

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study of twisted polarization domains in optical Poincaré beams, revealing their formation, spiraling behavior, and propagation dynamics through analytical and numerical methods.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical framework to understand the formation and dynamics of chiral polarized domains in optical beams, combining analytical and numerical approaches.

Findings

Chiral polarized domains exhibit spiraling behavior during propagation

Radial and longitudinal dynamics of cylindrically symmetric beams are characterized

New quantities are defined to quantify domain angular motion

Abstract

We provide a theoretical investigation of optical Poincar\'e beams that exhibit interwinding chiral polarized domains upon propagation. We employ both analytical and numerical methods in order to investigate this phenomenon. Specifically, we introduce the theoretical framework that elucidates the formation and spiraling behavior of chiral polarized domains of light. Additionally, we define dynamic quantities that help us understand and quantify the angular motion of these domains. We apply this method to cylindrically symmetric optical beams, thereby unveiling their distinct radial and longitudinal propagation dynamics.