Hydrodynamics explanation for the splitting of higher-charge optical vortices

Abstract

We show that a two-dimensional hydrodynamics model provides a physical explanation for the splitting of higher-charge optical vortices under elliptical deformations. The model is applicable to laser light and quantum fluids alike. The study delineates vortex breakups from vortex unions under different forms of asymmetry in the beam, and it is also applied to explain the motion of intact higher-charge vortices.