Building ideal paraxial optical skyrmions using rational maps

Abstract: We introduce a simple mathematical expression based on rational maps to construct ideal paraxial optical skyrmions fields including Neel-type and Bloch-type skyrmions, anti-skyrmions, bimerons and multi-skyrmions, including skyrmion lattices. We review the rules that fully polarized paraxial light fields must obey to be considered as optical skyrmions. This work provides guidelines for the experimental generation of general skyrmion fields, beyond conventional single skyrmion beams. This lays the foundation for the exploration of nucleation and annihilation mechanisms in multiskyrmions fields