Arbitrarily adjustable vector perfect optical vortices in free space

Abstract

Vectorial perfect optical vortices (VPOVs) are widely used due to their unique polarization and phase distribution. Building a VPOV array in free space does not just need complex design and calculation, but it is also challenging to control the VPOV in the array. We provide a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach for the extraction of polarization mode with an optical pen, which is capable of producing complex VPOV arrays in free space. The experimental results reveal that all of the parameters in the VPOV array can be modified separately, including amplitude, position, size, order, and number. This approach is simple and efficient, and it will find widespread application in particle trapping, optical tweezers, and optical communication.