Generation of arbitrary vector beam based on optical holography

Abstract

According to the phase and amplitude modulation of the spatial light modulator (SLM) loading the phase distribution for generating arbitrary vector beams, we present a method of generating arbitrary vector beams based on the optical holography with angle multiplexing. First of all, we use the optical holography to record the special phase distribution on the SLM, and so an optical holographic grating is obtained. In the reproduction process, the two conjugate reference beams with the same incident angle illuminate the holographic grating and the superposition of the two reproduced beams is achieved, thus the arbitrary vector beams are obtained. This method can avoid the emergence of complex polarization distribution, and has advantages such as simple optical setup, convenient operation, and higher polarization purity of generated arbitrary vector beams. Good results of the arbitrary vector beams are also obtained by computer simulation.