Efficient scalar and vectorial singular beam shaping using homogeneous anisotropic media

We propose and demonstrate a global and efficient approach for scalar and vectorial beam shaping based on the interaction of circularly polarized light with a single piece of homogeneous anisotropic medium. The main idea is to mimic the behavior of a two-dimensional inhomogeneous birefringent medium with a radial distribution of its optical axis. This is done by transforming an incident Gaussian beam into a conical nipple of light that further propagates along the optical axis of a c-cut uniaxial crystal. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America