Sampling a vortex from a Gaussian beam using a wedge-plate shearing interferometer
File(s)
Author(s)
Kerridge-Johns, William R
Jaillot, Jean-Benoît
Damzen, Michael J
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Many vortex-generation techniques have been developed to address a range of potential applications, exploiting their unique amplitude and phase profiles and their possession of orbital angular momentum. In this work, we present what may be the simplest method of vortex beam generation, requiring only a wedged optic: the wedge-plate shearing interferometer (WPSI). We show that the WPSI can reflect a first order Laguerre–Gaussian vortex beam (LG01) with a theoretical purity of >99% from an input fundamental Gaussian beam, with 98% LG01 purity experimentally demonstrated. We demonstrate 1% power conversion with a route to 14%. The monolithic WPSI is a simple, compact, and highly stable device, which can operate at any wavelength that the material is transparent to. We anticipate that it will be useful where sampling a robust, high-purity vortex beam from a Gaussian laser beam is required, including low-cost vortex generation for metrology or education.
Date Issued
2021-04-20
Date Acceptance
2021-03-22
Citation
Applied Optics, 2021, 60 (12), pp.3510-3510
ISSN
1559-128X
Publisher
The Optical Society
Start Page
3510
End Page
3510
Journal / Book Title
Applied Optics
Volume
60
Issue
12
Copyright Statement
© 2021 Optical Society of America. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modifications of the content of this paper are prohibited.
Identifier
https://www.osapublishing.org/ao/fulltext.cfm?uri=ao-60-12-3510&id=450203
Subjects
Optics
0205 Optical Physics
0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
0913 Mechanical Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2021-03-24