Tailored optical vector fields for ultrashort-pulse laser induced complex surface plasmon structuring



Ouyang, J, Perrie, W, Allegre, OJ, Heil, T ORCID: 0000-0003-4458-7387, Jin, Y, Fearon, E, Eckford, D, Edwardson, SP ORCID: 0000-0001-5239-4409 and Dearden, G ORCID: 0000-0003-0648-7473
(2015) Tailored optical vector fields for ultrashort-pulse laser induced complex surface plasmon structuring. OPTICS EXPRESS, 23 (10). pp. 12562-12572.

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Abstract

Precise tailoring of optical vector beams is demonstrated, shaping their focal electric fields and used to create complex laser micro-patterning on a metal surface. A Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) and a micro-structured S-waveplate were integrated with a picosecond laser system and employed to structure the vector fields into radial and azimuthal polarizations with and without a vortex phase wavefront as well as superposition states. Imprinting Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) elucidates the detailed vector fields around the focal region. In addition to clear azimuthal and radial plasmon surface structures, unique, variable logarithmic spiral micro-structures with a pitch Λ ∼1μm, not observed previously, were imprinted on the surface, confirming unambiguously the complex 2D focal electric fields. We show clearly also how the Orbital Angular Momentum(OAM) associated with a helical wavefront induces rotation of vector fields along the optic axis of a focusing lens and confirmed by the observed surface micro-structures.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Ultrafast lasers, laser materials processing, Spatial light modulators, laser beam shaping, optical vortices, polarization
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 21 Feb 2017 07:50
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2023 07:19
DOI: 10.1364/OE.23.012562
Open Access URL: https://www.osapublishing.org/oe/abstract.cfm?uri=...
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3005920