Nonlinear control of polarization rotation of hybrid-order vector vortex beams

Abstract Vector vortex beams are widely concerned for their application prospects in various fields. Here we study the polarization rotation of hybrid-order vector vortex beam (HVVB) in hot atomic vapor both theoretically and experimentally. In this work, the HVVB is experimentally generated by combining two q-plates with a polarization beam splitter, and this method is verified by analyzing Jones vector based on the orthogonal circular polarization basis. We have experimentally investigated the polarization rotation of HVVB during the propagation in free space and atomic media. In free space, the polarization rotation characterized by rotation of horizontal components of the beams, has a limitation due to the effect of Gouy phase. In contrast, the polarization rotation angle in atomic media can break through this limitation due to the non-linearity and can be controlled by adjusting the relevant atomic parameters. The experimental results can be simulated by the theoretical model about cross-phase modulation of vector beams in a two-level atomic system.