Optical cloaking of macroscopic objects by geometric-phase vortex processing

Abstract

We report on free-space strategy for electromagnetic concealment of three-dimensional macroscopic objects in the optical domain owing to unique energy flow redirection capabilities enabled by optical phase singularities. We propose and implement the generation of a quasi-nodal volume based on optical vortex Fourier processing, which inhibits light scattering from objects placed inside. The proof of concept is made by numerical simulations and the experimental implementation is carried out in the visible domain by using geometric phase vortex phase masks. Optical cloaking demonstration is made by using stainless steel sphere as the object to be concealed. The geometric phase nature of the vortex masks confers polarization independent features to the device and makes it possible to implement in a reflection mode.