Index-symmetry breaking of polarization vortices in 2D random vector waves

When the positions of two generic singularities of equally signed topological index coincide, a higher-order singularity with twice the index is created. In general, singularities tend to repel each other when sharing the same topological index, preventing the creation of such higher-order singularities in 3D generic electromagnetic fields....

Persistence and Lifelong Fidelity of Phase Singularities in Optical Random Waves

Phase singularities are locations where light is twisted like a corkscrew, with positive or negative topological charge depending on the twisting direction. Among the multitude of singularities arising in random wave fields, some can be found at the same location, but only when they exhibit opposite topological charge, which results in their...

The dating game at dimension zero: creation and annihilation of phase singularities in optical random waves

Phase singularities can be created and annihilated, but always in pairs. With optical near-field measurements, we track singularities in random waves as a function of wavelength, and discover correlations between creation and annihilation events.

A liquid of optical vortices in a photonic sea of vector waves

Phase singularities arise in scalar random waves, with spatial distribution reminiscent of particles in liquids. Supporting near-field experiment with analytical theory we show how such spatial distribution changes when considering vector waves.