Optical vortex lattice mode generation from a diode-pumped Pr ³⁺ :LiYF ₄ laser

Abstract

Abstract We report on the direct generation of optical vortex lattice (OVL) modes from a diode-pumped Pr 3+ :LiYF 4 (Pr:YLF) laser achieved by employing off-axis (transverse) and defocused (longitudinal) pumping geometries in the laser medium. OVL modes with more than 40 phase singularities are generated. The experimentally observed OVL modes are well supported by a theoretical analysis based on the superposition of Hermite-Gaussian modes. We also discuss the intracavity frequency doubling of the OVL modes. The proposed OVL mode laser system can be applied to fundamental optical science and advanced material engineering.

Topics & Concepts