Liquid-crystal adaptive equivalent q-plate device with tunable topological charge

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Liquid Crystal Devices
• Beam Shaping Technology

Background:

• Cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) are crucial for advanced optical applications.
• Existing methods for generating CVBs often lack dynamic tunability.
• Liquid crystal devices offer potential for compact and reconfigurable optical elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a proof-of-concept for a novel liquid-crystal device capable of generating tunable cylindrical vector beams (CVBs).
• To demonstrate dynamic control over the topological charge of generated CVBs.
• To introduce the adaptive q-plate (AQ-plate) as a versatile optical element.

Main Methods:

• Integration of two adaptive spiral phase plates (ASPPs) with orthogonal orientations and a quarter-wave plate (QWP).
• Utilizing circular transmission electrodes with radial lines in ASPPs to impart spiral phases.
• Addressing four voltages to independently control polarization states and topological charges.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated arbitrary CVBs with tunable topological charges.
• Demonstrated dynamic control over the topological charge of vortices and CVBs.
• The device functions as a tunable q-plate, offering dynamic control advantages.
• Experimental validation of the AQ-plate's versatility.

Conclusions:

• The developed AQ-plate provides efficient and dynamic generation of CVBs with tunable topological charges.
• This novel device expands the capabilities of existing q-plates with reconfigurable properties.
• The AQ-plate shows significant potential for applications requiring flexible beam control.