Classically entangled Ince–Gaussian modes

Abstract

Complex vector light modes, classically entangled in their spatial and polarization degrees of freedom (DoF), have become ubiquitous in a vast diversity of research fields. Crucially, while polarization is limited to a bi-dimensional space, the spatial mode is unbounded, and it can be specified by any of the sets of solutions the wave equation can support in different coordinate systems. Here, we report on a class of vector beams with elliptical symmetry where the spatial DoF is encoded in the Ince–Gaussian modes of the cylindrical elliptical coordinates. We outline their geometric representation on the higher-order Poincaré sphere, demonstrate their experimental generation, and analyze the quality of the generated modes via Stokes polarimetry. We anticipate that such vector modes will be of great relevance in applications, such as optical manipulations, laser material processing, and optical communications among others.