Generation of multiple vector beams using a single hologram

Abstract

Tailored optical fields whose polarization and phase are coupled in a non-separable fashion usually referred to as vector beams, have become ubiquitous in a wide variety of research fields. These complex light fields can be generated through a combination of physical optical elements such as spiral phase plates, q-plates and quarter wave plates. However, such hard-coded optical devices present some restrictions such as their inability to generate multiple structured light fields simultaneously. This has stimulated a wide range of generation techniques based on computer controlled devices such as spatial light modulators (SLMs). SLMs provide on demand, fast and flexible holographic means to create multiple tailored optical fields simultaneously (multiplexing). Here we present a novel technique that utilizes the superposition principle, enabling digital generation of many vector beams on a single hologram. Unlike other techniques, this method is purely digital and allows the generation of a wide variety of vector beams by simply changing the encoded digital hologram. As a proof of concept we demonstrate simultaneous generation of vector beams with different polarization states on the High Order Poincare Sphere (HOPS). This novel technique will be of impact in the context of quantum and classical communication, optical micro-manipulation and super resolution microscopy.