Generation of single or multiple generalized vortex beams with irregular closed-loop intensity profiles

Abstract

Vortex beams with spiral phase-front carry orbital angular momentum, which features a doughnut intensity profile due to the existence of phase singularity at the beam center. The generalized vortex beams (GVBs) with arbitrary closed-loop intensity profiles provide new opportunities for optical tweezers, optical information encryption and optical communications. Here, we generate GVBs with a single-shot phase modulation by combining the phase profiles of the azimuthal phase adjustment and a Fourier transform lens. Furthermore, simultaneously generation of multiple GVBs with arbitrary shapes and topological charges are also proposed and theoretically validated. These results provide a flexible approach to modulate vortex beams.