Dense arrays of microscopic optical vortex generators from femtosecond direct laser writing of radial birefringence in glass

Abstract

We report on the generation of permanent singular light mode converters at the microscale using femtosecond direct laser writing in photo-thermo-refractive glass. It relies on the irreversible light-induced radial birefringence in the bulk of the material. The ability of such birefringence pattern to convert the spin angular momentum of light into orbital optical angular momentum is exploited to demonstrate the production of large arrays of optical vortex generators with surface densities up to 104cm-2.