Liquid crystal devices for vector vortex beams manipulation and quantum information applications [Invited]
Zhixiang Li, Ya-Ping Ruan, Peng Chen, Jie Tang, Wei Hu, Keyu Xia, Yanqing Lu
Abstract
Vector vortex beams (VVBs) have attracted significant attention in both classical and quantum optics. Liquid crystal (LC), beyond its applications in information display, has emerged as a versatile tool for manipulating VVBs. In this review, we focus on the functions and applications of typical LC devices in recent studies on controlling the space-variant polarized vortex light. Manipulation of VVBs through patterned nematic LC optical elements, patterned cholesteric LC optical elements, self-assembled defects, and LC spatial light modulators is discussed separately. Moreover, LC-based novel optical applications in the field of quantum information are reviewed.
Topics & Concepts
Liquid crystalOpticsOptical vortexFocus (optics)VortexSpatial light modulatorQuantumOptoelectronicsQuantum informationPhysicsMaterials scienceQuantum mechanicsBeam (structure)ThermodynamicsOrbital Angular Momentum in OpticsLiquid Crystal Research AdvancementsNonlinear Photonic Systems