Generation of V-point polarization singularity lattices

Abstract

V-points normally do not occur in generic light fields as compared to C-points and L-lines. In structured optical fields, simultaneous existence of C-points, V-points and L-lines can be engineered in lattice forms. But lattices consisting only of V-points have not been realized so far. In this paper we demonstrate creation of lattices of V-point polarization singularities with translational periodicity. These lattice structures are obtained by the interference of four (six) linearly polarized plane waves arranged in symmetric umbrella geometry. The state of polarization of each beam is controlled by an S-waveplate. Since in a periodic lattice of polarization singularities the net charge in a unit cell is zero, the lattices are populated with positive and negative index V-point singularities. All the first order degenerate states of V-point singularities can be realized in the same setup by selective excitation of the S-waveplate.