Sampling a vortex from a Gaussian beam using a wedge-plate shearing interferometer

Many vortex-generation techniques have been developed to address a range of potential applications, exploiting their unique amplitude and phase profiles possession orbital angular momentum. In this work, we present what may be the simplest method vortex beam generation, requiring only wedged optic: wedge-plate shearing interferometer (WPSI). We show that WPSI can reflect first order Laguerre–Gaussian ( L mathvariant="normal">G 01 ) with theoretical purity > 99 mathvariant="normal">% from an input fundamental Gaussian beam, 98% experimentally demonstrated. demonstrate 1% power conversion route 14%. The monolithic is simple, compact, highly stable device, which operate at any wavelength material transparent to. anticipate it will useful where sampling robust, high-purity laser required, including low-cost generation for metrology or education.