Incoherent polarized white-light vector vortex from a q-plate

A spatially incoherent white light optical vortex is generated using a tunable liquid crystal q-plate and white lamp source. This work investigates the propagation of incoherent vector vortex to the far field, and makes comparisons with a coherent optical vortex at a particular wavelength. The contrast ratio between the vortex's ring and core darkness is determined, and the polarization of the vortex is mapped