Generation of femtosecond optical vortices with multiple separate phase singularities from a Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:KGW oscillator

Femtosecond optical vortices with a phase singular point have diverse applications such as microscopic particles manipulation, special-structure micro-processing and quantum information. Raising the number of singularity points can provide additional dimensions of control. Here we report for what we believe is the first time the generation of femtosecond optical vortices with multiple (two and five) singularities directly from a laser oscillator. The average powers and pulse durations of the resulting vortex pulses are several hundred milliwatts and less than 300 fs, respectively. This work represents an innovate way for obtaining femtosecond multivortices, opening the way to the further studies of optical vortex crystals and their applications.