Analysis and experimental design to generate a family of vector optical vortices

Abstract

Optical vortices are highly inhomogeneous electromagnetic fields with phase and/or polarization singularities. Optical vortices are interesting per se and for their possible applications. In Quinteiro et al. (2019) we derived a mathematical expression representing a large family of vector optical vortices and explained how these fields could be measured. Here, we show how any member of this family can be composed by a superposition of plane waves, whose relative phases, polarization states and directions determine the family member, its polarization state, topological charge and degree of focusing. We exemplify this by numerically reproducing some peculiar optical vortices by interference of the appropriate plane waves. Furthermore, we propose an experimental setup to generate any such optical vortices and provide a detailed theory that supports the proposal. We conclude by presenting possible applications that the present research will facilitate.