Mach–Zehnder interferometer based on cube-corner reflectors and beams with controlled polarization structures

Subject of the study. In this study, the feasibility of generating optical beams with orbital angular momentum in a modified polarization Mach–Zehnder interferometer using cube-corner reflectors (CCRs) was investigated. Aim of the study. The aim was to design and develop a new interferometer employing CCRs with special phase-shifting coatings for generating beams with nonzero topological charge and various polarization structures. Methods. To generate an optical vortex, a modified Mach–Zehnder interferometer configuration was used, in which CCRs combined with polarization elements formed the required beam structure. Diffraction patterns were observed in both the near- and far-field zones. Main results. An interferometer design for generating beams with axially symmetric polarization structures was developed and verified. The experimental results corroborate the feasibility of generating second-order optical vortices with the developed interferometer. Furthermore, the vortex structure can be controlled by varying the polarization states of the reflected beams. Practical significance. The proposed interferometer design is suitable for generating optical vortices for quantum communication and quantum cryptography, and it can be applied in satellite optical data transmission systems. The design offers high flexibility and enables the formation of vortex beams with different parameters for high-speed communication applications.