Angular momentum modulation of vortex Cherenkov radiation in optical waveguides

Abstract

Vortex free-electron radiation has attracted considerable interest because of its promising potential for applications in communication, high-density radiation sources, and particle detection. Here, we reveal angular momentum modulation of vortex Cherenkov radiation using subwavelength silicon waveguides. The topological charge of vortex radiation field can be controlled by the position parameters of two electron beams based on the rotational symmetry. Besides, the spin angular momentum is accompanied by the excited orbital angular momentum due to the spin-orbit interaction of light. In particular, the periodic evolution of spin and orbital angular momenta are demonstrated by breaking the symmetry of the waveguide. Our results provide a novel mechanism for flexibly regulating vortex electron radiation and exploring electro-optical interaction.