Generation of complex light using uniaxial and biaxial crystals: an efficient and accurate vectorial simulation technique

Site Zhang; Zongzhao Wang; Frank Wyrowski

doi:10.1117/12.2220602

8 March 2016 Generation of complex light using uniaxial and biaxial crystals: an efficient and accurate vectorial simulation technique

Site Zhang, Zongzhao Wang, Frank Wyrowski

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9764, Complex Light and Optical Forces X; 97640I (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2220602
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2016, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Uniaxial and/or biaxial crystals, because of their birefringent properties, can dramatically change the polarization of the light which travels through them. Based on that, crystals can be and have been used as a versatile tool to generate complex light with spatially structured phases and/or polarizations. To better understand the behavior of light in birefringent materials and to help design the components that generates complex light, we develop a spectrum-of-plane- wave based simulation technique which handles any kind of optical anisotropies. By using the technique in combination with a semi-analytical Fourier transformation, both high numerical efficiency and accuracy can be obtained simultaneously. With this technique we demonstrate several simulation examples, including the generation of single optical vortices using a uniaxial crystal, the generation of Bessel beam using a biaxial crystal, and the generation of a configurable optical bottle beam.

Citation Download Citation

Site Zhang, Zongzhao Wang, and Frank Wyrowski "Generation of complex light using uniaxial and biaxial crystals: an efficient and accurate vectorial simulation technique", Proc. SPIE 9764, Complex Light and Optical Forces X, 97640I (8 March 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2220602

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