Three for the price of one: dynamically reconfigurable generation of Gaussian, flat-top, and vortex/donut beams
Year: 2026
Type: supplementary-materials
Abstract: This work presents a novel, to the best of our knowledge, “three-for-one” beam shaping architecture capable of real-time switching between Gaussian, flat-top and optical vortex/donut beam profiles. The system is based on a polarization-controlled Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) which enables an incoherent superposition between a Gaussian 〖(LG〗_00) and Laguerre-Gaussian vortex 〖(LG〗_0l) beams by rotating/tuning the incoming beam’s linear polarization. By adjusting the relative weight of the two orthogonal polarization modes in the two arms of MZI, the recombined beam is transformed from a Gaussian peak to a vortex singularity filled with a Gaussian to achieve a high-quality flat-top beam, and further to a pure vortex/donut beam. The experiments confirm that the three modes can be dynamically shaped without the need for realignment. This scheme can be used in situations where flexible, dynamic switching/adaptation between different spatial modes is required, such as in laser micro-processing/machining, microscopy, particle manipulation and free space communication.
Source: Figshare
Authors: Owen Stewart, Dean Smith, Ilya Golub
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7168133448