Dynamic modulation of spatially structured polarization fields for real-time control of ultrafast laser-material interactions

Y Jin, O J Allegre, W Perrie, K Abrams, J Ouyang, E Fearon, S P Edwardson, G Dearden

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    Abstract

    The polarization state of an ultrafast laser is dynamically controlled using two Spatial Light Modulators and additional waveplates. Consequently, four states of polarization, linear horizontal and vertical, radial and azimuthal, all with a ring intensity distribution, were dynamically switched at a frequency  = 12.5Hz while synchronised with a motion control system. This technique, demonstrated here for the first time, enables a remarkable level of real-time control of the properties of light waves and applied to real-time surface patterning, shows that highly controlled nanostructuring is possible. Laser ablation of Induced Periodic Surface Structures is used to directly verify the state of polarization at the focal plane.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalOptics Express
    Volume21
    Issue number21
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 21 Oct 2013

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