Anomalous ring-connected optical vortex array.

In this study, an anomalous ring-connected optical vortex array (ARC-OVA) via the superposition of two grafted optical vortices (GOVs) with different topological charges (TCs) has been proposed. Compared with conventional OVAs, the signs and distribution of the OVs can be individually modulated, while the number of OVs remains unchanged. In particular, the positive and negative OVs simultaneously appear in the same intensity ring. Additionally, the size of the dark core occupied by the OV can be modulated, and the specific dark core is shared by a pair of plus-minus OVs. This work deepens our knowledge about connected OVAs and facilitates new potential applications, especially in particle manipulation and optical measurement.