Self-consistent transverse modes in a geometric-phase-plate-assisted optical resonator

We propose a geometric phase plate (GPP) assisted optical resonator to tailor and discriminate intracavity transverse modes. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the resonator has well-defined self-consistent resonator modes when the GPP is placed at the self-imaging position of the resonator mirror. By engineering phases carried by the GPP, we show configuration functions including breaking the symmetry of transverse-mode structures in forward and backward propagations, generating purely high-order transverse modes, and discriminating degenerate Laguerre-Gaussian modes. Furthermore, we conduct numerical simulation based on the iterative Fox-Li method. Our design provides a tool for efficiently shaping laser modes at a source, which has potential application in such technologies as optical imaging, optical tweezers, optical communication, and quantum information processing.

Automated summary

A method of using a geometric phase plate (GPP) to control transverse modes in an optical resonator is proposed. By engineering the phases carried by the GPP, it is possible to break the symmetry of mode structures, generate high-order transverse modes, and discriminate different Laguerre-Gaussian modes.