Higher-order optical rabi oscillations.

Rabi oscillations express a phenomenon of periodic conversion between two wave states in a coupled system. The finding of Rabi oscillation has led to important applications in many different disciplines. Despite great progress, it is still unknown whether the Rabi oscillating state can be excited in the framework of the higher-order vector vortex regime. Here, we demonstrate in theory that the higher-order vector vortex light beams can be Rabi oscillating during evolution in an optical coupling system. This new classical oscillating state of light is characterized by a topologically shaped wavefront and coupled with spatially varying polarization. The vector vortex state exhibits a harmonic oscillatory property in the resonant and nonresonant conditions but differs greatly in Rabi oscillating frequencies. During Rabi oscillation, the complex state maintains its topology and intensity profile, while its intrinsic polarization pattern varies adiabatically in a periodic manner. We present an interpretation of the Rabi oscillation of the higher-order wave states in terms of the coupled-mode theory. Furthermore, we reveal a symmetry-protected transition between two Rabi oscillating modes, driven by a slowly varying phase mismatch. This Rabi transition has not been reported in either quantum mechanics or any other physical setting. This work advances the research of Rabi oscillation into the higher-order regime, and it may lead to novel applications in classical and quantum optics.