Configurable Spin Orbital Interaction Utilizing Vector Beam Interference

Abstract

Spin-orbit interaction (SOI) of light has attracted enormous interest for its potential applications in controlling light at nanoscale and holds promise for future optical information technology and optoelectronics. In particular, the transverse spin in evanescent waves is regarded as distinct manifestation of SOI and an emerging candidate for miniaturizing optoelectronic circuits. However, further application has been hampered by the inability to conveniently generate light field with configurable transverse spin. Here, we present a simple method to generate free-space light field with arbitrary transverse spin utilizing vector beam interference and numerically demonstrate the configurable spin orbital coupling in nanophotonic waveguide. Chiral waveguide with excellent extinction ratio up to 42 dB is achieved in our simulation. The propagating direction of guided mode can be fully controlled via tuning the ellipticity of transverse spin. The device is compatible with existing integrated nanophotonic devices and may find valuable applications in future optical information processing and optical communication technology.

Keywords

• Chiral waveguide
• nanophotonics
• spin orbit interaction
• transverse spin
• vector beam