We experimentally investigate the focusing properties of first- and second-order vector beams and vector vortex beams generated by photonic-crystal lasers. When the azimuthal indices of the vector beam ($l$) and the phase dependence ($n$) match, strong intensity appears at the center of focus. Our theoretical analyses agree well with the experimental results and predict that the central intensity has circular polarization.

© 2012 Optical Society of America

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Figure files are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Article level metrics are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

Related Journal Articles

• Measurements of the small wave tilt using the optical vortex interferometer with the Wollaston compensator (AO)
• Mapping phases of singular scalar light fields (OL)
• Singular polarimetry: Evolution of polarization singularities in electromagnetic waves propagating in a weakly anisotropic medium (OE)
• Cross-polarization of linearly polarized Hermite–Gauss laser beams (JOSAA)
• Polarization of orbital angular momentum carrying laser beams (JOSAA)

Related Conference Papers

• Rotation Formulas in the Jones Calculus Extended to Axially Symmetrically Polarized Beam
• Vector Beam Representation on a Higher Order Poincare Sphere and Higher Order Stokes Parameter Measurement Through Optical Angular Momentum Decomposition
• A New Type of Light With Optical Chirality
• Vector Fields and Their Novel Properties
• Polarization and Propagation Characteristics of Laser Beams