Gibbs–Wulff optical vortex array

Abstract

Optical vortex array (OVA) containing multiple optical vortices is an optimal candidate for applications of optical communications, complex manipulation of multi-particle systems, and mass-synchronous fabrication. However, the existing OVAs have not been constructed to respond to the application requirements, particularly for micro-/nanomaterial fabrication where the boundary, size, and stability need to be carefully considered. To address this issue, we propose a Gibbs–Wulff OVA (GWOVA) by analogizing the Gibbs–Wulff theorem in solid-state physics. Herein, the Gibbs–Wulff theorem is first generalized to OVA's generation as the condition to confine its growth boundary. The GWOVA, which possesses versatile structures and arrangement modes (simple- and close-packed modes), is successfully generated and grown. It exhibits high stability and perfect symmetry during growth and rotation, which satisfies the symmetric group of D2s. Owing to its stable structure and growth boundary conditions, the GWOVA has great potential for a wide range of applications, particularly in micro-/nanomaterial fabrication.