Compact vectorial optical field generator using a single phase-only spatial light modulator

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate a compact vectorial optical field generator for any coherent light, including femtosecond laser beams. The apparatus utilizes a single Köster prism for both beam splitting and recombining. A phase-only spatial light modulator is used as a diffractive optical element to encode the two complex fields that recombine after being converted to orthogonal polarizations, generating an arbitrary vectorial optical field. We apply this setup to shape focused femtosecond pulses in producing patterned structures.

Laser machining fundamentals: micro, nano, atomic and close-to-atomic scales

“…Laser is also capable of inducing periodic surface structures, in which the pattern and spatial frequency can be tuned and are sensitive to material behavior [13]. In addition, efforts have been made to improve the efficiency, flexibility and controllability of the process, such as multi-beam interference fabrication [14], laser field shaping by spatial light modulator [15] and ultrafast imaging technique [16]. Up to now, laser machining using various wavelengths and pulse widths gains many great achievements in the production of micro/nano-structures [17][18][19][20] or surface textures [13,[21][22][23][24], which are critical for optoelectronic devices, functional surfaces and biomedical microrobot [25].…”