Polarization singularities hidden in a deep subwavelength confined electromagnetic field with angular momentum

Opt Express. 2022 Aug 15;30(17):31298-31309. doi: 10.1364/OE.461370.

Abstract

Topologies associated with polarization point and line singularities can provide tools for controlling light propagation. By using the Stokes parameter, we demonstrate the emergence of polarization singularities hidden in deep subwavelength confined electromagnetic fields with angular momentum. We show that when the incoming orbital angular momentum is appropriately chosen, highly confined electromagnetic fields with super-diffraction-limited spatial dimensions can be obtained. At the same time, a conversion of orbital to spin angular momentum occurs, leading to a non-trivial topology. Our method provides a platform for developing topological photonics and studying the behavior of polarization singularities under strong focusing.