Topological defects related to linear dichroism. Generation of vector-vortex beams

We show that the effect of linear dichroism produces vector-vortex beams in axially inhomogeneous optically birefringent material samples. When the linear dichroism dominates (the corresponding parameter sigma= 0), a vector-vortex beam is generated at the output of sample, with the orbital angular momentum l(2) = q and the polarization order m(2) = 1/2. When the dichroism can be neglected (sigma = 1), a vortex beam with the orbital angular momentum l(1) = 2q is obtained at the outgoing face of sample. In the intermediate case, 0 < sigma < 1, a composite vector-vortex beam appears with incorporated beams having the orbital angular momentums l(1) = 2q, l(2 )= q, and the polarization order m(2) = q.