Propagation characteristics for quantized Laguerre-Gauss beams using liquid crystal optical devices

Several methods for the generation of Laguerre-Gauss (LG) beams has been proposed, including conversion from Gaussian beam by liquid crystal optical devices. This method is easier than other methods, and generates "quantized" LG(5,1) beams. If this quantized LG beams propagate over a sufficiently long distance, only the propagation modes remain and LG beams can be generated. In this paper, the propagation of quantized LG beams is simulated and the effectiveness in atmospheric propagation is evaluated. In propagation process, the phase distribution of quantized LG beams differs from that of LG beams. In the Fourier plane, the intensity and phase distribution of quantized beams are equal to those of LG beams.