Multimode vector beam synthesis and rapid modulation via interferometric methods

Optical interference techniques are widely regarded as an effective approach for generating vector beams. In this paper, we theoretically simulate the generation of multimode vector beams through the vortex beams interference. Then, in the experiment, we employ a Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration to coherently generate both vector beams and vector vortex beams by combining two circularly polarized vortex beams with opposite orbital angular momentum. Furthermore, by investigating the relationship between the polarization distribution of the vector beams and the phase difference of the interferometer’s two arms, we have achieved precise phase control and rapid modulation for generating vector beams. This has enabled the efficient generation of vector beams with various polarization states. Our experimental setup is compact and easy to operate, enabling the generation and rapid modulation of multimode vector beams, as well as the verification of the topological charge of vortex beams.