Generation of Higher Order Laguerre-Gaussian Beams through Combination of Lower Order Phase Elements

Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam is a vortex beam, which is characterised by its helical phase, and has a number of potential applications apart from being a precursor for generation of other vortex beams. Generation of LG beams, carrying higher-order orbital angular momentum (OAM), have been demonstrated by the utilization of multiple vortex phase plates (VPPs) with capability of imparting lower topological charges (TCs). The TCs of the generated LG beams were experimentally ascertained by the analysis of fork patterns generated by interfering the generated LG beams with their corresponding reference Gaussian beams. The experimentally obtained amplitude profiles and fork patterns, exhibited a fair agreement with the results of theoretical formulations.