Interference-free superposition of nonzero order light modes: Functionalized optical landscapes

In this paper, we utilize the incoherent superposition of nonzero order light modes. We show that this approach brings an additional degree of freedom to the generation of optical fields and notably the formation of superpositions that are otherwise unattainable through the use of refractive or diffractive optical elements and coherent or incoherent light sources. We employ this technique in two exemplary cases: first to create a field with tunable orbital angular momentum whose spatial intensity distribution remains unchanged and second to form an unusual type of "nondiffracting" light beam. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3552202]