Tailoring ultra-broadband vector beams via programming the electric field vector of light

Abstract

With spatially inhomogeneous polarization, vector beam (VB) has created substantial opportunities in both optics and photonics. However, the limited spectral bandwidth of VB generator hinders further advances for higher level of integration and functionality. Here, an innovative approach of programming the electric field vector of light is proposed to tailor arbitrary ultra-broadband VBs, in parallel among an unprecedented wavelength range over 1000 nm covering the visible and NIR band. We demonstrate the twisted nematic liquid crystals (TNLCs), specifically arranged in-situ by a dynamic programmable photopatterning, enable to directly manipulate the electric field vector of transmitted light into the VB as desired. Furthermore, the electrical responsiveness of TNLCs yields a dynamic multifunctionality between the VB and Gaussian beam. We anticipate this ultra-broadband VB generator would be promising for a variety of applications like optical manipulation, super-resolution imaging, and integrated optical communication system.