Beam Propagation Research Articles

Regular, Beating and Dilogarithmic Breathers in Biased Photorefractive Crystals

The propagation of light beams in photovoltaic pyroelectric photorefractive crystals is modelled by a specific generalization of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (GNLSE). We use a variational approximation (VA) to predict the propagation of solitary-wave inputs in the crystals, finding that the VA equations involve a dilogarithm special function. The VA predicts that solitons and breathers exist, and the Vakhitov–Kolokolov criterion predicts that the solitons are stable solutions. Direct simulations of the underlying GNLSE corroborates the existence of such stable modes. The numerical solutions produce both regular breathers and ones featuring beats (long-period modulations of fast oscillations). In the latter case, the Fourier transform of amplitude oscillations reveals a nearly discrete spectrum characterizing the beats dynamics. Numerical solutions of another type demonstrate the spontaneous splitting of the input pulse in two or several secondary ones.

Effect of self focusing on higher harmonic generation of q-Gaussian laser beam in graded index plasma channel

Effect of self focusing on higher harmonic generation of q-Gaussian laser beam in graded index plasma channel

Symmetric and asymmetric Tricomi-Gaussian beams in a gradient-index medium

In this paper, the propagation dynamics of the Tricomi-Gaussian Beam (TGB) in a gradient-index medium is studied. Influences of various beam parameters, the gradient-refractive index coefficient, and vortices on the propagation of TGB are investigated thoroughly. The research is mainly on the transmission characteristics of TGB with different modes, including symmetric and asymmetric patterns. Notably, the manipulations of beam modes, propagation trajectory, and intensity distribution of TGB by varying beam parameters α and β are explored. In addition, the autofocusing properties of TGB under off-axis conditions are investigated, which could find potential applications in optical trapping, laser energy focusing, and photonic waveguiding.

Generation of complex beams using flattening of binary gratings

The generation of complex beams, such as composite vortex beams, using the logical flattening of two or more co-oriented and registered gratings is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. The geometrical aspects of such gratings were examined to generate composite vortex beams with the desired intensity and orientation. The proposed methodology was extended to produce other complex beams, such as Laguerre Gaussian transformed Hermite Gaussian and composite vortex transformed Airy beams.

Dual perfect vectorial vortex beam generation with a single spin-multiplexed metasurface

Perfect optical vortex beams (POVBs) carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) possess annular intensity profiles that are independent of the topological charge. Unlike POVBs, perfect vectorial vortex beams (PVVBs) not only carry orbital angular momentum but also exhibit spin angular momentum (SAM). By incorporating a Dammann vortex grating (DVG) on an all-dielectric metasurface, we demonstrate an approach to create a pair of PVVBs on a hybrid-order Poincaré sphere. Benefiting flexible phase modulation, by engineering the DVG and changing the input-beam state we are able to freely tailor the topological OAM and polarization eigenstates of the output PVVBs. This work demonstrates a versatile flat-optics platform for high-quality PVVB generation and may pave the way for applications in optical communication and quantum information processing.

Overmodulation and phase correction of virtual images propagated by holographic curved waveguide for near-eye display

Generally, current type of waveguide used for near-eye displays is planar waveguide, which belongs to flat panel display. Compared to display system in three-dimensional space, flat panel display limits people's view of the 3-D world and is not conducive to the integration of virtual and reality. This paper proposes a holographic curved waveguide system for near-eye display. In order to analyze the propagation process of light beam in waveguide, an iterative algorithm is established based on angular spectrum theory to get the intensity distribution from each total internal reflection point. According to the simulation results and experimental phenomenon, we have developed phase compensation measures for overmodulation during beam propagation in the waveguide. The research shows that using curved waveguide can achieve beam transmission with less aberration after introducing an appropriate phase compensation in a distance, and it can also achieve beam transmission with lossless energy within a large radius range. Experiments have proven that the final coupling effect is basically consistent with the simulation results, this means that our proposal about curved waveguide has potential application value in near-eye display systems.

Coexistence of varied intensities, phases, and polarization states along the direction of beam propagation

Polarization state, as one of the fundamental properties of light fields, has found widespread applications across various domains. The control of intensity, phase, and polarization state along the direction of beam propagation has opened up new avenues for beams. In this work, we generated a beam in which different intensities, phases, and polarization states can simultaneously appear at different positions along the direction of beam propagation. In other words, varied intensities, phases, and polarization states can coexist in the direction of beam propagation. The correctness of this method is validated through theoretical analysis and experimental results. This approach expands the application scope of light beams and provides a favorable path for exploring the optical characteristics of beams.

Quasi-Bessel surface acoustic wave for dynamic acoustic manipulation

Acoustic manipulation using surface acoustic wave has aroused widespread interest in life sciences, biomedical, and bioanalytical chemistry. Acoustic manipulation for different applications requires different acoustic fields. Bessel beams are non-diffractive and re-constructable, bringing possibility and versatility of acoustic manipulation integrated on microfluidic chips. To date, there are a few studies on constructing Bessel surface acoustic waves. Moreover, there is still a lack of dynamic acoustic manipulation using Bessel surface acoustic waves propagating along a surface of piezoelectric substrate with simple and high-precision devices. Here, we design a device with two omnidirectional equifrequency interdigital transducers to form a quasi-Bessel surface acoustic wave by means of coherent interference. The proposed device avoids influences of anisotropy on its operating frequency, making its quasi-Bessel beam accurately and stably conform to the predetermined design acoustic field. This acoustic field could control micrometer to submicrometer particles and dynamically move particles along lateral direction and axial direction of the propagation of quasi-Bessel beam. A phenomenon similar to negative force appeared when the two-micron spherical particles were manipulated. The quasi-Bessel beam formed by our device can provide a versatile movement for on-chip acoustic manipulation.

Multichannel focused higher-order Poincaré sphere beam generation based on a dielectric geometric metasurface

Focused vector beams (VBs) are important topic in the areas of light field manipulation. Geometric metasurfaces provide a convenient platform to facilitate the generation of focused VBs. In this study, we propose a dielectric geometric metasurface to generate multichannel focused higher-order Poincaré sphere (HOP) beams. With identical meta-atoms of half-wave plate, the metasurface comprises two sub-metasurfaces, and each of them includes two sets of rings related to Fresnel zones. For meta-atoms on each set of rings, the hyperbolic geometric phase profile is configured so that the mirror-symmetrical position-flip of the off-axis focal point is enabled under the chirality switch of the illuminating circular polarization. With the design of helical geometric phase profiles for the two sets of rings, a sub-metasurface generate two HOP beams at the symmetrical two focal points. The performance of the two sub-metasurfaces enables the metasurface with four sets of rings to generate the array of four HOP beams. The proposed method was validated by theoretical analyses, numerical simulation and experimental conduction. This research would be significant in miniaturizing and integrating optical systems involving applications of VB generations and applications.

Intensity distribution of the partially coherent Gaussian Schell vortex beam diffracted by classical axicon

Based on the mathematical framework of the partially coherent Gaussian Schell model vortex (PCGSMV) beam and the Huygens-Fresnel integral, we conducted a study to analyze the intensity distribution and depth of focus (DOF) of the PCGSMV beam as it propagates through a classical axicon. Our numerical results indicate the influence of factors such as the beam width, spatial degree of coherence, topological charge, and axicon base angle on the intensity distribution and DOF. In addition, we investigated the relationship between the beam spot size and propagation distance, as well as the effects of the spatial degree of coherence and propagation distance on the intensity profile. Our findings highlight the importance of the intensity values along the DOF for various applications, including the optical trapping and manipulation of micro-particles.

Generation of optical vortex beams with bandwidth exceeding 550 nm using a helical fiber needle exhibiting strong mode coupling.

A strong-coupling helical fiber needle (HFN) is proposed and demonstrated for the realization of bandwidth-enhanced broadband optical vortex beam (OVB) generation. The HFN is based on a single mode fiber and operates at the dispersion-turning-point (DTP) of the lowest radial order of the cladding mode (i.e., LP11) but with a remarkably high mode coupling efficiency. By utilizing this novel, to the best of our knowledge, HFN, successful generation of the first-order OVB with an impressive bandwidth up to 556 nm at -10 dB and a center wavelength of ∼1570 nm has been achieved. This represents the broadest bandwidth demonstrated among all fiber grating-based OVB generators to date. The proposed HFN-based OVB generator exhibits a relatively compact size, ultra-wide bandwidth, and customizable center wavelength, making it highly promising for applications in optical vortex-based endoscopic imaging as well as particle detection and manipulation.

Polarization and frequency multiplexed multi-channel focusing terahertz vortex with a birefringent dielectric metasurface

We propose an approach to generate polarization and frequency multiplexed focusing vortex beams using a birefringent dielectric metasurface in terahertz (THz) range. The designed metadevice consists of Si nanopillars with different sizes. The transmission efficiency of each unit cell under orthogonal polarized illumination can exceed 70% at both operating frequencies 1 THz and 1.2 THz. Combining the functions of beam deflection, focusing, and vortex beam generation in the interference holography design strategy, polarization and frequency multiplexed multi-channel focusing THz vortex beams with different topological charges and generation positions can be achieved, which can greatly improve the transmission capacity of THz communications. Combining its compact and efficient features with multiplexing methods, our designed metadevice has enormous potential for application in THz vortex generation and information processing.

Nonlinear generation of vector beams by using a compact nonlinear fork grating

Vectorial beams have attracted great interest due to their broad applications in optical micromanipulation, optical imaging, optical micromachining, and optical communication. Nonlinear frequency conversion is an effective technique to expand the frequency range of the vectorial beams. However, the scheme of existing methods to generate vector beams of the second harmonic (SH) lacks compactness in the experiment. Here, we introduce a new way to realize the generation of vector beams of SH by using a nonlinear fork grating to solve such a problem. We examine the properties of generated SH vector beams by using Stokes parameters, which agree well with theoretical predictions. Then we demonstrate that linearly polarized vector beams with arbitrary topological charge can be achieved by adjusting the optical axis direction of the half-wave plate (HWP). Finally, we measure the nonlinear conversion efficiency of such a method. The proposed method provides a new way to generate vector beams of SH by using a microstructure of nonlinear crystal, which may also be applied in other nonlinear processes and promote all-optical waveband applications of such vector beams.

Exact wave solver for nonparaxial laser beam propagation

Simulations of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments require high-fidelity models for laser beam propagation in a nonuniform plasma with varying index of refraction. We describe a new numerical wave solver that is applicable to centimeter-scale length plasmas encountered in indirect drive ICF applications. The one-way Helmholtz equation (OHE) generalizes the time-harmonic paraxial wave equation to large angles. Here, we present a methodology to numerically evaluate the exact solution to the OHE. This solution is computed by analytically advancing eigenfunctions of the one-way Helmholtz operator along a propagation direction and is applicable to any given index of a refraction profile. We compare our exact method with a commonly used approximate split-step technique for solving the OHE. As a test problem, we consider nonparaxial propagation of Gaussian and speckled beams in a plasma density channel with internal reflection. We find that the split-step approach incurs significant errors compared to the exact solution computed using the novel algorithm.

Study of Space Charge Potential for Propagation of Plasma-Assisted Electron Beam

Study of Space Charge Potential for Propagation of Plasma-Assisted Electron Beam

Propagation of twisted laser carrying orbital angular momentum in magnetized plasma

The propagation of electromagnetic beams carrying orbital angular momentum l is investigated in a cold collisionless plasma where a static magnetic field is applied in the axial direction. The relativistic and ponderomotive nonlinearities are taken into consideration simultaneously. A stationary nonlinear Schrödinger equation is derived using the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin method and the slowly varying envelope approximation. The critical condition for the self-trapped mode is achieved as a function of orbital angular momentum (OAM), magnetic field, and initial laser intensity of the beam. The response of the medium to the two types of polarizations, i.e., left circular polarization (LCP) and right circular polarization (RCP), is compared, and it is observed that the RCP laser shows better focusing than the LCP laser and also requires a smaller beam radius for achieving the self-trapped mode. The effect of applied magnetic field and OAM of the laser is also studied on the beam width evolution. The laser is found to be focused earlier in the cases of a larger applied magnetic field. A Laguerre–Gaussian laser with higher OAM is observed to show efficient self-focusing. This study enables exploration in the fields of particle acceleration, electron bunch generation, x-ray sources, and more.

Generation of Nondiffraction Self-Accelerating Beam via Airy–Bessel Fusion in Two Orthogonal Directions

Generation of Nondiffraction Self-Accelerating Beam via Airy–Bessel Fusion in Two Orthogonal Directions

2-битные метаповерхности Патчаратнама-Берри с генерацией, интерференцией и гашением орбитального углового момента для широкополосного снижения ЭПР

The radar cross-section (RCS) reduction using non-absorbing digital Patcharatnam-Berry (PB) metasurfaces (MSs), consisting of 2-bit modules with generation, interference and cancellation of vortex electromagnetic waves with orbital angular momentum (OAM) is studied. Each module has a helical PB-phase profile and possesses vortex scattering. Module unit cells contain a shielded dielectric substrate and meta-particles in the form of triple-coupled split-ring resonators. The modules are distinguished by 2-bit coding of the initial tilt angle of the meta-particles 0º, 45º, 90º and 135º. The purpose of the work is to numerically analyze the generation of antiphase vortex beams (VBs) by OAM-modules and to assess the influence of interference and cancellation of antiphase vortices on the structure and order of OAM in the resulting field and the RCS reduction of three digital MSs in the form of 2´2 lattice of 2-bit OAM-modules of different sizes with different topological charges. The scattering characteristics are studied using HFSS for normally incident circularly polarized waves using of the finite element method. The simulation showed that the interference of phase vortices of four OAM-modules forms the main axial vortex and N additional interference side near and far vortices (N depends on the size of the MS). Interference vortex beams create phase singularities and zero the resulting far field in N side directions over the entire forward hemisphere. The intense OAM modes of the main vortex beams are of the fourth or eighth order. The OAM modes of adjacent interference VBs, as a rule, differ in sign. The proposed 2-bit MSs provide wider-angle phase cancellation of vortex fields (compared to 1-bit MSs) and, as a consequence, wider-angle diffuse scattering of the resulting field of the MS, which is important for RCS reduction.

Second harmonic of higher-order Poincaré sphere beam with two orthogonal 5%MgO:PPLN crystals

In this work, the second harmonic (SH) of higher-order Poincaré sphere (HOPS) beam was introduced and demonstrated with two orthogonal 5%MgO:PPLN crystals. Based on the quasi-phase-matching technique, the vectorial coupled wave equations were derived to simulate the SH of HOPS beams through the two crystals, including the cylindrical vector beams (CVBs), elliptically polarized CVBs (EPCVBs), and circularly polarized vortex beams. Then, the experimental setup was established to reveal that the SH of CVBs and EPCVBs present the four-lobed structure and still exhibit vector characteristics. Meanwhile, the circularly polarized vortex beams become the linearly polarized vortex beams with double phase topology, confirming the conservation of orbital angular momentum. Moreover, the maximum SH conversion efficiency of CVBs, EPCVBs, and circularly polarized vortex beams can reach 25.3%, 23.4%, and 29.4%, respectively, which may be instructive for promoting the SH generation of vector vortex beams with high efficiency.

High-Purity Large Mode Field Super-Stable Vortex Beam Generator

High-Purity Large Mode Field Super-Stable Vortex Beam Generator