Abstract
We demonstrate self-trapped laser beams carrying phase singularities in nematic liquid crystals. We experimentally observe the astigmatic transformation of vortex beams into spiraling dipole azimuthons accompanied by power-dependent charge-flipping of the on-axis phase singularity. The latter topological reactions involve triplets of vortex lines and resemble pitchfork bifurcations.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 21457-21466 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Optics Express |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 22 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Oct 2011 |