Optimal triplicator design applied to a geometric phase vortex grating

In this work, a geometric phase liquid-crystal diffraction grating based on the optimal triplicator design is realized, i.e., a phase-only profile that generates three diffraction orders with equal intensity and maximum diffraction efficiency. We analyze the polarization properties of this special d...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics express 2019-05, Vol.27 (10), p.14472-14486
Main Authors: Marco, David, Sánchez-López, María M, Cofré, Aarón, Vargas, Asticio, Moreno, Ignacio
Format: Article
Language:English
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this work, a geometric phase liquid-crystal diffraction grating based on the optimal triplicator design is realized, i.e., a phase-only profile that generates three diffraction orders with equal intensity and maximum diffraction efficiency. We analyze the polarization properties of this special diffraction grating and then use embedded spiral phases to design geometric phase vortex diffraction gratings. Finally, the fabrication of a two-dimensional version of such a design using a micro-patterned half-wave retarder is demonstrated, where the phase distribution is encoded as the orientation of the fast axis of the retarder. This proof-of-concept element is made of liquid crystal on BK7 substrate where the orientation of the LC is controlled via photoalignment, using a commercially available fabrication facility. Experimental results demonstrate the parallel generation of vortex beams with different topological charge and different states of polarization.
ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/OE.27.014472