Distinguishing the topological charge of vortex beam via Fourier back plane imaging with chiral windmill structure

Abstract In recent years, research on the interaction between orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light and matter has shown a continuous influx of investigations. OAM possesses distinct properties, such as a degree of freedom with multiple states, vortex characteristics, and topological properties, which expand its applications in optical communication, optical sensing, and optical manipulation. We have observed different phenomena in the chiral metal windmill structure under excitation of spin angular momentum (SAM)-OAM beam generated by Q-plate than under SAM excitation. Fourier back focal plane (FBP) imaging under SAM beam excitation easily identifies the chirality and geometric properties of the structure. When the SAM-OAM beam excites the structure, FBP not only identifies its chirality and geometric properties but also distinguishes different OAM topological charges and signs, as well as the degree of elliptic polarization. The Stokes parametric FBP imaging reveals asymmetric polarization distribution resulting from the interaction between a vortex beam and the chiral structure. Moreover, it clearly reflects the conversion process of SAM to OAM. The experimental results match well with simulation results. These findings hold valuable insights for the advancement of optical information storage and communication using OAM, opening up new possibilities for further exploration in this field.