  The properties of vector vortex beams in vertical-cavity-surface emitting
lasers with frequency-selective feedback is investigated. They are interpreted
as high-order vortex solitons with a spatially non-uniform, but locally linear
polarization state. In contrast to most schemes to obtain vector vortex beams
relying on imprinting the polarization structure, vector vortex solitons form
spontaneously due to the near polarization degeneracy in vertical-cavity
devices. We observe radially, hyperbolic and spiral polarization configurations
depending on small residual anisotropies in the system and multi-stability
between different states. In addition, we demonstrate flip-flop operation of
laser solitons via in principle local electronic nonlinearities. Combining the
two themes might open up a route for a simple device enabling fast switching
between different vector vortex beams for applications. The investigations
connect nicely the fields of nonlinear science, singular optics, structured
light and semiconductor laser technology.
