Propagation dynamics of circular Pearcey vortex beam in photorefractive crystals with linear and quadratic electro-optic effects

We numerically investigate the propagation dynamics of circular Pearcey vortex beam (CPVB) in photorefractive crystals with linear and quadratic electro-optic effects. Our results show that, for a topological charge of l = 0, the beam propagates as a single soliton, evolving from breathing oscillations to a steady state, regulated by the truncation coefficient α. For the off-axis vortex, the CPVB forms a single soliton, with its output position adjustable by the topological charge and the vortex position. In contrast, on-axis CPVB can evolve into three different soliton states—the single soliton, the Y-type soliton, and the necklace soliton—with the topological charge of the vortex playing a decisive role. The splitting distance, the width of splitting bright spots, and the distance between the bright spots of CPVB can be influenced by the topological charge l, the external electric field E0, and the initial amplitude A0. By appropriately selecting l, E0, and A0, CPVB can also propagate in the form of a vortex beam ring. The energy flow and vortex effect of the CPVB are investigated by using the transverse Poynting vector and the angular momentum density, respectively. These findings have potential applications in optical routing, optical switching, and all-optical communication systems.