Spin–momentum properties in the gradient-index fiber

The vector characteristics of the kinetic momentum, spin angular momentum (SAM), and light field of a radially polarized vortex beam (RPVB) in the radial gradient-index (GRIN) fiber are analyzed using a unified methodology based on the generalized Huygens-Fresnel principle and the spin-momentum relationship. The kinetic momentum, SAM, transverse-type spin (t-SAM), longitudinal-type spin (l-SAM) and light field contain parallel and perpendicular components to the optical axis in the GRIN fiber. Moreover, the optical spin skyrmion from the SAM, t-SAM, and l-SAM can be observed at the semi-focal plane and the focal plane of the GRIN fiber. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of spin skyrmions in the GRIN fiber. The analysis of spin-momentum properties of an RPVB in the GRIN fiber combined with the generalized Huygens-Fresnel principle and the spin-momentum relationship can be applied in describing the vector properties of transmission in atmospheric and optical systems. •A new unified methodology is proposed to characterize the vector characteristics of the kinetic momentum, spin angular momentum (SAM), transverse-type spin (t-SAM), longitudinal-type spin (l-SAM) and field of beam.•The vector characteristics of kinetic momentum, SAM, t-SAM, l-SAM and field of beam in the radial gradient-index fiber are characterized.•Different optical spin skyrmions in the radial gradient-index fiber are formed.