Orientation-selective elliptic optical vortex array

Abstract

We propose an orientation-selective elliptic optical vortex array (OS-EOVA). Using multicoordinate (namely, polar, Cartesian, and elliptic) transformations, three kinds of operations applied on optical vortex elements (including location, rotation, and stretching) were executed to obtain the desired orientation in the observed plane. Then, exploiting the reverse design technique, the above-mentioned operations were mapped onto the initial execution plane via Fourier transform. Based on this, 1D and 2D OS-EOVAs were generated experimentally and the existence of optical vortices was verified. Specific OS-EOVAs were designed, possessing antenna array orientation as well as radial and azimuthal orientation. Compared to existing OVAs, the OS-EOVA provides an additional modulated dimension, i.e., orientation. This technique will open up some potential applications, such as complex manipulation of multiparticle systems and fabrication of micromaterials with orientation.