Article

Arbitrary spin-to–orbital angular momentum conversion of light

Robert C. DevlinThe Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USAAntonio AmbrosioCenter for Nanoscale Systems, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USANoah A. RubinThe Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USAJ. P. Balthasar MuellerThe Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USAFederico CapassoThe Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

2017en

ABI

Abstract

Optical elements that convert the spin angular momentum (SAM) of light into vortex beams have found applications in classical and quantum optics. These elements-SAM-to-orbital angular momentum (OAM) converters-are based on the geometric phase and only permit the conversion of left- and right-circular polarizations (spin states) into states with opposite OAM. We present a method for converting arbitrary SAM states into total angular momentum states characterized by a superposition of independent OAM. We designed a metasurface that converts left- and right-circular polarizations into states with independent values of OAM and designed another device that performs this operation for elliptically polarized states. These results illustrate a general material-mediated connection between SAM and OAM of light and may find applications in producing complex structured light and in optical communication.

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1126/science.aao5392

Citations and references

Cited by 20 references

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