Vector Beams are a type of light beam characterized by a spatially varying polarization pattern across the beam’s cross-section. Unlike conventional beams, which have uniform polarization, vector beams exhibit complex polarization states that can vary in both amplitude and direction. These beams are generated using specialized optics and have applications in areas like optical trapping, microscopy, and quantum optics, where control over polarization is crucial.

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Free-Space Optical Sensing Using Vector Beam Spectra

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Vector beams are spatial modes that have spatially inhomogeneous states of polarization. Any light beam is a linear combination of vector beams, the coefficients of which comprise a vector beam “spectrum.” In this work, through numerical calculations, a novel method of free-space optical sensing is demonstrated using vector beam spectra, which are shown to be experimentally measurable via Stokes polarimetry. As proof of concept, vector beam spectra are numerically calculated for various beams and beam obstructions.

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