New method enables flexible generation of high-order vector vortex beams

Sadie Harley
scientific editor

Robert Egan
associate editor

A research team led by Associate Prof. Wang Anting from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) proposed a method for multidimensional manipulation of polarization and phase based on a single geometric phase element. They managed to generate and control high-order vector vortex beams (VVBs).
The study is published in
Since lasers emerged, multidimensional control of laser light fields has always been at the forefront of optical research. Among them, VVBs with various physical characteristics under the coordinated control of spin-orbit angular momentum (OAM) are highly favored.
VVBs have both anisotropic polarization distribution in the cross-section and helical phase distribution. Their polarization and phase can be independently controlled, showing broad application prospects in fields such as laser processing. However, current issues like high cost and low flexibility of traditional VVBs remain to be resolved.
The researchers first modulated the phase and polarization of the light beam through the spin-OAM conversion of a single q-plate, and then used traditional optical components to form an adjustable phase delay system.
This system replaced the electronically controlled liquid crystal phase retarders to regulate the geometric phase of the light beam. The researchers, therefore, generated VVBs which both the phase and polarization topological charges were up to 16, achieving flexible control of the arbitrary polarization distribution of high-order VVBs.
The team also utilized the geometrical properties of the traditional Poincaré sphere (TPS) to describe the polarization control process of the proposed phase delay system.
They employed the hybrid Poincaré sphere (HyPS) to describe the generated VVB, demonstrating the mapping relationship between the TPS and the HyPS. Not only that, researchers also conducted a systematic analysis of the polarization evolution during the propagation process of VVBs.
This study provides a rapid and efficient approach for the flexible generation of VVBs, making it simple, cost-effective, and easily integrable.
More information: Junna Yao et al, Generation of Arbitrary Vector Vortex Beam Using a Single Q‐Plate, Laser & Photonics Reviews (2025).
Provided by University of Science and Technology of China