Generation of perfect vectorial vortex beams by employing coherent beam combining

Based on coherent beam combining, we propose a method for generating the perfect vectorial vortex beams (VVBs) with a specially designed radial phase-locked Gaussian laser array, which is composed of two discrete vortex arrays with right-handed (RH) and left-handed (LH) circularly polarized states and in turn adjacent to each other. The simulation results demonstrate that the VVBs with correct polarization order and topological Pancharatnam charge are successfully generated. The diameter and thickness of generated VVBs independent of the polarization orders and topological Pancharatnam charges further prove that the generated VVBs are perfect. Propagating in free space, the generated perfect VVBs can be stable for a certain distance, even with half-integer orbital angular momentum. In addition, constant phases go0 between the RH and LH circularly polarized laser arrays has no effect on polarization order and topological Pancharatnam charge but makes polarization orientation to rotate go0/2. Moreover, perfect VVBs with elliptically polarized states can be flexibly generated only by adjusting the intensity ratio between the RH and LH circularly polarized laser array, and such perfect VVBs are also stable on beam propagation. The proposed method could provide a valuable guidance for high power perfect VVBs in future applications.

Automated summary

Based on coherent beam combining, this study proposes a method for generating perfect vectorial vortex beams (VVBs) using a specially designed radial phase-locked Gaussian laser array. The simulation results demonstrate successful generation of VVBs with correct polarization order and topological Pancharatnam charge. The diameter and thickness of the generated VVBs are independent of the polarization orders and topological Pancharatnam charges, further confirming their perfection. Additionally, the method allows for the generation of stable VVBs with elliptically polarized states by adjusting the intensity ratio between circularly polarized laser arrays.