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The polarization evolution of vector beams (VBs) generated by q-plates is investigated theoretically and experimentally. An analytical model is developed for the VB created by a general quarter-wave q-plate based on vector diffraction theory. It is found that the polarization distribution of VBs varies with position and the value q. In particular, for the incidence of circular polarization, the exit vector vortex beam has polarization states that cover the whole surface of the Poincare sphere, thereby constituting a full Poincare beam. For the incidence of linear polarization, the VB is not cylindrical but specularly symmetric, and exhibits an azimuthal spin splitting. These results are in sharp contrast with those derived by the commonly used model, i.e., regarding the incident light as a plane wave. By implementing q-plates with dielectric metasurfaces, further experiments validate the theoretical results.

We propose theoretically and verify experimentally a method of combining a q-plate and a spiral phase plate to generate arbitrary vector vortex beams on a hybrid-order Poincare sphere. We demonstrate that a vector vortex beam can be decomposed into a vector beam and a vortex, whereby the generation can be realized by sequentially using a q-plate and a spiral phase plate. The generated vector beam, vortex, and vector vortex beam are verified and show good agreement with the prediction. Another advantage that should be pointed out is that the spiral phase plate and q-plate are both fabricated on silica substrates, suggesting the potential possibility to integrate the two structures on a single plate. Based on a compact method of transmissive-type transformation, our scheme may have potential applications in future integrated optical devices.