Controlled higher-order transverse mode conversion from a fiber laser by polarization manipulation. (22nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Bin; Yi, Qian; Yang, Lingling; Zhao, Chujun; Wen, Shuangchun
• Is Part Of: Journal of optics. Volume 20:Number 2(2018:Feb.)
• Publication Date: 2018-01-22
• Subjects: fiber laser -- cylindrical vector beams -- mode control -- higher-order mode; Optics -- Periodicals; 535.05
• DOI: 10.1088/2040-8986/aaa1b1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-8978

Abstract

Abstract: We report a vectorial fiber laser with controlled transverse mode conversion by intra-cavity polarization manipulation. By combining a q-plate and two quarter-wave plates (QWPs), we can generate a switchable polarization state output represented by the higher-order Poincaré sphere ( l = +1, l = −1), and distinguish the fourfold degenerate LP11 mode. The four transverse vector modes can be obtained and switched in a flexible way, and the slope efficiency of the fiber laser can reach up to 39.4%. This compactness, high efficiency, and switchable operation potential will benefit a range of applications, such as materials processing, particle manipulation, etc.