Experimental realization of vortex and vectorial vortex Pearcey-Gauss Beams

TL;DR

This paper reports the experimental creation of novel vortex and vector vortex Pearcey-Gauss beams, demonstrating their unique polarization structures and potential applications in various optical fields.

Contribution

We experimentally realize vortex and vector vortex Pearcey-Gauss beams, introducing their polarization properties and evolution, expanding the family of non-separable structured light fields.

Findings

Successful generation of vortex Pearcey-Gauss beams

Observation of polarization evolution in vector vortex beams

Potential applications in optical technologies

Abstract

In this manuscript, we put forward two new types of structured light beams, the vortex Pearcey-Gauss (VPeG) beam, with a homogeneous polarisation distribution, and the vector vortex Pearcey-Gauss (VVPeG) beam, with a non-homogeneous polarisation distribution. The later generated as a non-separable superposition of the spatial and polarisation degrees of freedom. We also achieve their experimental realization through the combination of a spatial light modulator, which creates a scalar Pearcey-Gauss beam, and a q-plate which transforms it into a vortex or a vortex vector beam, depending on its input polarisation state. Their intensity and polarisation distribution was performed through Stokes polarimetry, along the propagation direction, which was compared with numerical simulations. As demonstrated, the VVPeG beam evolves from a pure vector beam into a vector mode of quasi-homogeneous polarisation distribution. The proposed vector beams add to the already extensive family of non-separable states of light. We anticipate that both types of beams will find applications in fields as diverse as optical metrology, optical communications, and optical tweezers, amongst others.