Two-dimensional polarization distribution controller based on variable retarder array

Two-dimensional polarization distribution controller which can transform linearly polarized beam into two-dimensional polarization distributed beam has been presented and investigated. The two-dimensional polarization distribution controller consists of two quarter-wave plates and a variable retarder array. The principles of the two-dimensional polarization distribution controller are analyzed and calculated results show when the directions of fast axes of these three components meet a particular constraint equation set, these three optical components could be regarded as a two-dimensional polarization distribution controller. Experiments have been carried out, and the light intensity distribution of radially and azimuthally polarized beams after an analyzer are obtained.