Dynamics of linear polarization conversion in uniaxial crystals

We report on the experimental and theoretical investigation of polarization conversion of linearly polarized Gaussian beam propagating in perpendicularly cut homogeneous uniaxial crystals. We derive analytical expressions, in good agreement with experimental data, for power transfer between components at normal incidence accompanied by the generation of a topological quadrupole. We extend the results to the oblique incidence case and confirm experimentally the optimal parameters for generation of a single charge on-axis optical vortex, including spectrally resolved measurements for the white-light beams.