Vectorial self-diffraction effect in optically Kerr medium

Abstract

We investigate the far-field vectorial self-diffraction behavior of a cylindrical vector field passing though an optically thin Kerr medium. Theoretically, we obtain the analytical expression of the focal field of the cylindrical vector field with arbitrary integer topological charge based on the Fourier transform under the weak-focusing condition. Considering the additional nonlinear phase shift photoinduced by a self-focusing medium, we simulate the far-field vectorial self-diffraction patterns of the cylindrical vector field using the Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral method. Experimentally, we observe the vectorial self-diffraction rings of the femtosecond-pulsed radially polarized field and high-order cylindrical vector field in carbon disulfide, which is in good agreement with the theoretical simulations. Our results benefit the understanding of the related spatial self-phase modulation effects of the vector light fields, such as spatial solitons, self-trapping, and self-guided propagation.