Generation of high-order optical vortices using directly machined spiral phase mirrors

We report on the generation of high-order optical vortices by spiral phase mirrors (SPMs). The mirrors are produced by direct machining with a diamond tool and are shown to produce high-quality optical vortices with topological charges ranging from 1 to upwards of 100 at a wavelength of 532 nm. The direct machining technique is flexible and offers the promise of high-precision, large-diameter SPMs that are compatible with high optical powers. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America