Compact vectorial optical field generator using a single phase-only spatial light modulator.

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate a compact vectorial optical field generator for any coherent light, including femtosecond laser beams. The apparatus utilizes a single Köster prism for both beam splitting and recombining. A phase-only spatial light modulator is used as a diffractive optical element to encode the two complex fields that recombine after being converted to orthogonal polarizations, generating an arbitrary vectorial optical field. We apply this setup to shape focused femtosecond pulses in producing patterned structures.