Tunable orbital angular momentum vortex beam generation based on liquid crystal devices

J. Pereiro-García; P. de la Rosa; J. M. Otón; X. Quintana; M. A. Geday; M. Caño-García

doi:10.1117/12.3021869

18 June 2024 Tunable orbital angular momentum vortex beam generation based on liquid crystal devices

J. Pereiro-García, P. de la Rosa, J. M. Otón, X. Quintana, M. A. Geday, M. Caño-García

Proceedings Volume 13016, Liquid Crystals Optics and Photonic Devices; 130160L (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3021869
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2024, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

Liquid crystals (LCs) are a versatile class of materials capable of modulating their effective refractive index for specific light polarization when subjected to an external electric field. This unique feature positions LCs as valuable components in the creation of electronically reconfigurable optical elements by eliminating the need for mechanical components. This study presents LC-based Fresnel diffractive elements, with spiral shaped phase profiles, that convert planar light beams into vortex beams. The devices feature directly addressable electrodes, facilitating dynamic adjustment of the vortex beam generation. Consequently, a single device may be configured to introduce an arbitrary orbital angular momentum (OAM) into a passing planar light beam. The devices may be calibrated to any desired wavelength within the visible and NIR light spectrum. The developed devices are characterized by high fill factor, low operating voltages, and are suitable for various applications, including optical trapping or OAM multiplexing, due to their lack of moving parts, reconfigurability, and ease of integration. The control of these optical devices is accomplished by an in house developed electronic driver that generates pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to independently address each element electrode. In this way, the element phase profile can be precisely controlled. The devices are fabricated through Direct Laser Writing (DLW) ablation on glass substrates coated with Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO), utilizing nematic LCs for phase modulation of incident light beams.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

J. Pereiro-García, P. de la Rosa, J. M. Otón, X. Quintana, M. A. Geday, and M. Caño-García "Tunable orbital angular momentum vortex beam generation based on liquid crystal devices", Proc. SPIE 13016, Liquid Crystals Optics and Photonic Devices, 130160L (18 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3021869

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available