Abstract

We propose a new diffractive optical element, called a spiral Dammann zone plate (SDZP), to generate a series of dipole vortices along the optical axis in the focal region of a focusing objective. By combining this SDZP and another Dammann grating, we describe the generation of three-dimensional dipole vortex arrays in the focal volume of an objective. For experimental demonstration, a $1\times 5$ SDZP with base charge of $l=1$ is fabricated by using lithography and wet-etching techniques, and a $1\times 5$ coaxial dipole vortex array is achieved for an objective of $\mathrm{NA}=0.127$. Furthermore, by combining the $1\times 5$ SDZP and another $5\times 5$ Dammann grating, a $5\times 5\times 5$ dipole vortex array is also experimentally demonstrated. The results show that topological charges of these $5\times 5$ vortex arrays on five coaxial planes could be tunable by selecting a vortex beam carrying different charge as the incident field.

© 2012 Optical Society of America

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