Unusual quantum Talbot effect based on the orbital angular momentum of photons

Abstract

The quantum Talbot effects with orbital angular momentum (OAM) photons have been investigated theoretically. Two schemes, holographic ghost-image and twin-photon configuration, have been considered. They exhibit unique properties, which are different from the cases of previous classical and quantum Talbot effects. The Talbot effects in the present schemes originate from lateral translation of the periodic object instead of transverse coherences of optical fields or photon wave functions. The Talbot pattern in the present case can be manipulated by the OAM number of the incident photons, which is equivalent to the Talbot effect of an effective periodic object illuminated by photons without the OAM. This means that complex diffraction patterns of an unusual periodic object can be obtained by designing the Talbot effect with OAM photons, which provides a promising idea in optical designs for the diffraction patterns.