Synthesis of multiple collinear helical modes generated by a phase-only element

Phase-only elements are generally more desirable than complex-amplitude-modulated elements not only because of the higher diffraction efficiency but the readier implementation and fabrication. A novel iterative algorithm is proposed for generating multiple helical modes by a single phase-only element. A superposition of four helical modes is demonstrated experimentally by using a spatial light modulator. (C) 2006 Optical Society of America.