Volumetric Processing of Structured Light Integrated in Glass

Abstract: Light with complex structures in polarization, phase and amplitude, has attracted a lot of attention in a broad range of applications and fundamental studies in classical and quantum optics. Along with the increased interest in structured light comes a need for efficient modulation platforms operating simultaneously for many modes. Multi plane light conversions (MPLC), i.e., multiple consecutive phase modulations in combination with free space propagation, have enabled such unitary transformations, which are usually built by bulky optical components, limited to scalar modulation, or rely on advanced nanofabrication techniques. Here, we demonstrate an efficient, monolithic MPLC architecture through direct laser writing in standard fused silica glass, resulting in a device with a compact form factor of only a few cubic millimeters. Our scheme is based on volumetric engineering of the glass's birefringence through laser-written nanogratings, which enables spatial control over full vectorial light structures. To showcase the approach's potential for integrated multimode-multipath optical networks, we demonstrate multi-mode unitary transformations, mode conversions, and complex beam-splitting for scalar light. We further extend the MPLC operation to vectorial light and implement various polarization-controlled spatial mode operations as well as the transformation of the topology of an optical Skyrmion. Finally, we highlight our scheme's promise for optical communications and implement a miniaturized multiplexer for spatial modes and polarization operating at telecom wavelength.