Generation of optical vortex array based on the fractional Talbot effect

A phase-only diffractive optical element (DOE) for generating array of optical vortices with high compression ratio is presented. Since it is designed according to the fractional Talbot effect, we name the DOE optical vortex Talbot array illuminator (OVTAI). As an example, an OVTAI for generating a hexagonal array of optical vortices is designed, and demonstrated through displaying the OVTAI on a programmable liquid crystal spatial light modulator. The diffraction properties of the vortex array generated by the OVTAI are observed and analyzed, and an optimal distance for generating sharp ringed vortex arrays is given. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.