An Atlas of optical skyrmions: charting topologically equivalent field configurations

Abstract Optical skyrmion fields inherit the exceptional dynamic shaping capabilities of structured light. This distinguishes them from their counterparts in other physical systems, yet ongoing research remains largely centred on well-known textures such as Néel-type skyrmions, Bloch-type skyrmions and bimerons. We chart topologically equivalent optical skyrmion fields and discuss how this property could potentially be used for communication applications. We previously showed that Stokes phase plots are effective tools to characterize skyrmion fields experimentally, we develop this theory and examine skyrmion beams through the lens of constellations of polarization singularities.