Vector and scalar vortex beams that exist on the higher-order Poincaré sphere have many applications, such as microscopy, imaging, laser machining, and communication in free space and in fibres.

Concept. In contrast to the complexity and challenges of producing OAM beams and vector vortex beams from lasers, the control of polarization or SAM inside laser cavities is a well-established ...

New device for manipulating and moving tiny objects with light Date: November 27, 2018 Source: University of the Witwatersrand Summary: Researchers have found a way to use the full beam of a laser ...

More information: Junna Yao et al, Generation of Arbitrary Vector Vortex Beam Using a Single Q‐Plate, Laser & Photonics Reviews (2025). DOI: 10.1002/lpor.202402290 Provided by University of ...

Researchers manipulated light with liquid crystals to create a sculpted laser beam capable of producing this photorealistic image of a cat. Credit: P.F. Silva & S.R. Muniz, 2022 ...

Physicists have built a tractor beam out of lasers that can both repel and attract objects across distances 100 times farther than previously possible.