Abstract
Anti-diffraction is a theoretically predicted nonlinear optical phenomenon that occurs when a light beam spontaneously focalizes independently of its intensity. We observe anti-diffracting beams supported by the peak-intensity-independent diffusive nonlinearity that are able to shrink below their diffraction-limited size in photorefractive lithium-enriched potassium-tantalate-niobate (KTN:Li).
Highlights
Introduction and motivationDiffraction causes light beams to spread out, losing spatial definition and intensity [1, 2]
The patterns are more evident as the value of zc decreases and are not strongly dependent on θ for the range θ = 5 − 22◦ we scanned. Since this excludes the possible influence of ferroelectric domains, which are pinned to the principal axes of the crystal in its nominal paraelectric m3m phase [28, 29], these patterns appear an effect of the nonlinear propagation itself
Since this excludes the possible influence of ferroelectric domains, which are pinned to the principal axes of the crystal in its nominal paraelectric m3m phase [28, 29], these patterns appear an effect of the nonlinear (but peak-intensity-independent) propagation itself
Summary
Diffraction causes light beams to spread out, losing spatial definition and intensity [1, 2]. This forms a limit to the spatial resolution of optical imaging systems based on far-field optics, such as a standard wide-area microscope. In electro-magneticinduced transparency experiments, interference can even lead to inverted (or negative) diffraction [9] Based on interference, this modified diffraction occurs along specific directions and for beams with a small angular spectrum. A more general effect would be the observation of beams that literally ”anti-diffract” as they propagate in a substance In such a system, beams will naturally converge instead of spreading, irrespective of direction of propagation and for a wide range of beam sizes, even with a considerable angular spectrum. In this paper we theoretically predict anti-diffraction supported by the diffusive nonlinearity and report its first observation in lithium-enriched potassium-tantalate-niobate (KTN:Li)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
