We generated photonic modes exhibiting a polarization winding akin to “hurricanes” of light in a quasicrystal. Through a careful design of the position of metallic nanoparticles that interact with an electric field, we have experimentally demonstrated lasing with polarization vortices of topological charges as high as -5, +7, -17 and +19. There is a surprisingly rich ordered structures of increasing topological charges in the reciprocal space. These results open a new path for fundamental studies of higher-order topological defects and coherent light beams of high topological charge. It also represents the early steps for a powerful way of transmitting information in domains where light is needed to send encoded information, including telecommunications.

This work entitled “High topological charge lasing in quasicrystals” has been published on Nature Communications.

High charges