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The propagation properties of a pair of Lissajous singularities with opposite singularity indexes called the Lissajous singularity dipole (LSD) in free space are studied analytically and illustrated numerically. It is shown that the motion, creation, annihilation and change in the degree of polarization of the LSD, and change in the shape of Lissajous figures take place by suitably varying the waist width, off-axis distance or propagation distance. In particular, the creation and shift to infinity of a single Lissajous singularity may appear. A comparison with the free-space propagation of an optical vortex dipole and a C-dipole is also made.

The propagation was investigated of a pair of Lissajous singularities of opposite singularity index called the Lissajous singularity dipole (LSD) through an astigmatic lens. It is shown that after passing through the lens the positions of the singularities are inverted and more than two LSDs occur. Changes in the degree of polarization of the LSDs as well as in the shape of the Lissajous figures also occur. In addition, Lissajous singularities may take place at the focal plane, and a single Lissajous singularity may appear and vanish under certain conditions. The results are compared with those of previous work.

The interaction of the Lissajous singularity and singular Lissajous line in the presence of an astigmatic lens is studied. It is found that the singular Lissajous line is usually unstable, and disappears after passage through the lens. The creation and annihilation of one or two Lissajous singularities may take place by varying the astigmatic coefficient, off-axis parameter, and propagation distance. A comparison with the interaction of the Lissajous singularity and singular Lissajous line in the free-space propagation and in the presence of an ideal lens, and with the vortex–edge dislocation interaction is made. The results are illustrated numerically and interpreted analytically.