Polarization singularity explosions in tailored light fields

Otte E., Alpmann C., Denz C.

Abstract

Complex propagation dynamics of higher-order polarization singularities areinvestigated within tailored Poincar´e beams. Spatial polarization modulationand additional phase vortices of higher strength are combined, evokingpolarization singularity splitting, type conversion, creation and annihilation.These phenomena form singularity "explosions" along their longitudinalevolution. These dynamics of propagating customized light fields andembedded singularities are analyzed experimentally and numerically.Furthermore, similarities of polarization singularity explosion and phasevortex unfolding are discussed, exploring fundamental propagation andspatio-temporal interaction properties of optical singularities.