Visualizing the Fractional Orbital Angular Momentum

Abstract

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel approach to visualize the fractional orbital angular amentum (OAM) flow of light fields at the example of the Lommel tornado wave (LoTW) along the propagation direction in free space. The novel approach that is based on the transverse intensity distributions of the LoTWs can be used to identify and quantify the fractional OAM. The energy that is continuously distributed flexibly is controlled via the asymmetry factor and topological charge. Furthermore, the OAM density on concentric rings and chiral paths is employed to demonstrate convincingly as a manifestation of the energy flow. Such beams are anticipated to find potential applications in optical communication and optical micromanipulation.