Observation of the vortex structure of a non-integer vortex beam

Leach, J., Yao, E. and Padgett, M. (2004) Observation of the vortex structure of a non-integer vortex beam. New Journal of Physics, 6, art 71. (doi: 10.1088/1367-2630/6/1/071)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/6/1/071

Abstract

An optical beam with an e(i/phi) phase structure carries an orbital angular momentum of lh per photon. For integer l values, the phase fronts of such beams form perfect helices with a single screw-phase dislocation, or vortex, on the beam axis. For non-integer l values, Berry ( 2004 J. Opt. A: Pure Appl. Opt. 6 259) predicts a complex-phase structure comprising many vortices at differing positions within the beam cross- section. Using a spatial light modulator we produce e(i/phi) beams with varying l. We examine the phase structure of such beams after propagation through an interference-based phase- measurement technique. As predicted, we observe that for half- integer l values, a line of alternating charge vortices is formed near the radial dislocation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Padgett, Professor Miles
Authors: Leach, J., Yao, E., and Padgett, M.
Subjects:Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:New Journal of Physics
Publisher:Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:1367-2630
ISSN (Online):1367-2630

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