Bessel Beams Research Articles

Transfers of the OAM and SAM densities of Bessel beam into the orbital and spin torques upon gold nanorod

The optomechanical interplay of a Bessel beam (an optical vortex) with a gold nanorod (GNR) in water is theoretically studied. The optical force and torque exerted on the GNR are analyzed using Maxwell's stress tensor to investigate the transfer rates of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) and the spin angular momentum (SAM) densities of Bessel beam into the orbital and spin torques upon GNR, respectively. From the numerical analysis, we find that the ratio of the orbital torque to the spin torque on the GNR matches the ratio of OAM to SAM of Bessel beam, corresponding to the order (topological charge) of the Bessel beam. This is to say that the transfer rate of the OAM density of Bessel beam into the orbital torque exerted on GNR nearly equals that of the SAM density into the spin torque. It implies that the spin-orbit interaction (SOI) of the optical vortex beam via a GNR is very weak. In addition, the spin torque is nearly equal to the corresponding zilch torque, the surface integral of Lipkin's zilch stress tensor. This could be because a GNR can be regarded as a perfect electric dipole particularly when the wavelength of the incident light is close to and little longer than the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance of GNR; the dipole's orientation is along the long axis of GNR. In contrast, the SOI via a spherical gold nanoparticle (GNP) is strong due to no preferred orientation for the equivalent dipole; a part of SAM of the optical vortex is transferred to the orbital torque upon GNP. Our results demonstrate that GNR, functioning as an ideal electric dipole, is a highly effective probe for detecting the OAM and SAM densities of an optical vortex individually through its distinct orbital and spin motions, without any crosstalk.

On‐Demand Subwavelength‐Scale Light Sculpting Using Nanometric Holograms

AbstractSpatially or temporally structured light has attracted considerable attention for its intriguing beam characteristics, which have found extensive applications in classical and quantum optics. Extending structured light from macroscale and microscale to nanometricscale brings more prospects both for fundamental and applied science. However, sculpting light at the subwavelength scale remains a challenge since its transverse structure is fragile in the nanometric scale. Here a novelholography for arbitrary light sculpting at the subwavelength scale is demonstrated. A wave phenomenon of diffractive focusing from an amplitude‐only nanometric (50‐nm‐thick) film is introduced, and use of the induced high‐spatial‐frequency waves as carriers to encode information of an object is considered. Using this technique, nanometric holograms are designed and fabricated for generating the well‐defined eigen modes including the zero‐order Bessel beam, vortex beam, vector beam, Airy beam, as well as an arbitrary light pattern, with feature sizes on the deep‐subwavelength scale. The broadband performance of the hologram is examined, and a white‐light nondiffracting beam at the deep‐subwavelength scale is realized. This demonstration paves a way toward on‐demand light sculpting at the nanometric scale, which may find applications such as optical super‐resolution imaging, nanoparticle manipulation, and precise measurements.

A Systematic Summary and Comparison of Scalar Diffraction Theories for Structured Light Beams

Structured light beams have recently attracted enormous research interest for their unique properties and potential applications in optical communications, imaging, sensing, etc. Since most of these applications involve the propagation of structured light beams, which is accompanied by the phenomenon of diffraction, it is very necessary to employ diffraction theories to analyze the obstacle effects on structured light beams during propagation. The aim of this work is to provide a systematic summary and comparison of the scalar diffraction theories for structured light beams. We first present the scalar fields of typical structured light beams in the source plane, including the fundamental Gaussian beams, higher-order Hermite–Gaussian beams, Laguerre–Gaussian vortex beams, non-diffracting Bessel beams, and self-accelerating Airy beams. Then, we summarize and compare the main scalar diffraction theories of structured light beams, including the Fresnel diffraction integral, Collins formula, angular spectrum representation, and Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction integral. Finally, based on these theories, we derive in detail the analytical propagation expressions of typical structured light beams under different conditions. In addition, the propagation of typical structured light beams is simulated. We hope this work can be helpful for the efficient study of the propagation of structured light beams.

High throughput detection of capillary stalling events with Bessel beam two-photon microscopy.

Brief disruptions in capillary flow, commonly referred to as capillary "stalling," have gained interest recently for their potential role in disrupting cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery. Approaches to studying this phenomenon have been hindered by limited volumetric imaging rates and cumbersome manual analysis. The ability to precisely and efficiently quantify the dynamics of these events will be key in understanding their potential role in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Our study aimed to demonstrate that the fast volumetric imaging rates offered by Bessel beam two-photon microscopy combined with improved data analysis throughput allows for faster and more precise measurement of capillary stall dynamics. We found that while our analysis approach was unable to achieve full automation, we were able to cut analysis time in half while also finding stalling events that were missed in traditional blind manual analysis. The resulting data showed that our Bessel beam system was captured more stalling events compared to optical coherence tomography, particularly shorter stalling events. We then compare differences in stall dynamics between a young and old group of mice as well as a demonstrate changes in stalling before and after photothrombotic model of stroke. Finally, we also demonstrate the ability to monitor arteriole dynamics alongside stall dynamics. Bessel beam two-photon microscopy combined with high throughput analysis is a powerful tool for studying capillary stalling due to its ability to monitor hundreds of capillaries simultaneously at high frame rates.

Focus shaping of cylindrically polarized higher-order generalized spiraling Bessel beams

Focus shaping of cylindrically polarized higher-order generalized spiraling Bessel beams

Magnetization properties of radially polarized Bessel-Gaussian vortex beams with radial phase modulation in a 4π focusing system.

This paper explored the optically induced magnetization properties of radially polarized Bessel-Gaussian vortex beams with radial phase modulation in a 4π high numerical aperture (NA) focusing system, which is based on the vector diffraction theory and the inverse Faraday effect. The results show that in the case of radial modulation parameter L=0, one longitudinal magnetization chain with adjustable length can be obtained by modulating the truncation parameter β. When the radial modulation parameter L=1.3, two magnetization chains can be obtained by modulating the truncation parameter β. By modulating the radial modulation parameter L, two magnetization chains along the optical axis can be generated, each with four dark magnetic traps; meanwhile, the spacing between two magnetization chains can be adjusted. These results may be helpful in high-density all-optical magnetic recording, atom capture, and magnetic resonance microscopy.

Generation of modified Bessel-Gauss beam with low side-lobes and large depth of focus using multiphase plate

The high side-lobes of the Bessel-Gauss beam generated by refractive axicon or reflective axicon is a major factor that hinders its practical application. In this paper, multiphase plate is used to modify the Bessel-Gauss beam, which can suppress the side-lobes and retain the diffraction-free property over a certain length. The radii parameters and the phase in each ring are optimized using genetic algorithm. By changing the circular rings in the multiphase plate optimized for refractive axicon into the elliptical rings according to the off-axis angle of the reflective axicon, side-lobe suppression for the reflective axicon can also be achieved without redesigning the multiphase plate. Simulation results show that side-lobes of less than 2% and depth of focus of ∼ 15 mm can be obtained with proper choice of parameters.

Dual-Functional Tunable Metasurface for Meta-Axicon with a Variable Depth of Focus and Continuous-Zoom Metalens.

Optical metasurfaces have been widely investigated for their versatile ability to manipulate wavefront and miniaturize traditional optical components into ultrathin planar devices. The integration of metasurfaces with multifunctionality and tunability has fundamentally transformed optics with unprecedented control over light propagation and manipulation. This study introduces a pioneering framework for the development of tunable metasurfaces with multifunctionality, and an example of a tunable metasurface of dual functionalities is proposed and numerically verified as one of the tunable meta-axicon for generating Bessel beams with a variable depth of focus (DOF) and a continuous-zoom metalens. Specifically, this design achieves dual-functional phase modulation by helicity-multiplexing from the combination of the geometric phase as well as the propagation phase and realizes tunability for both functionalities through rotational actuation between double metasurface layers. As a result, dual functionalities with continuous tunability of the proposed TiO2 metasurface are enabled independently for the left and right circularly polarized (LCP and RCP) incidences at 532 nm. Specifically, LCP light triggers the metasurface to function as a tunable axicon, generating non-diffracting Bessel beams with variable numerical apertures (NA) and DOFs. Conversely, the RCP incidence induces it to operate as a continuous-zoom metalens and generates variable spherical wavefront focusing on diverse focal lengths. This study not only initially implements the design of tunable meta-axicon, but also achieves the integration of such a tunable meta-axicon and continuous-zoom metalens within a single metasurface configuration. The proposed device could find potential applications in biological imaging, microscopic measurement, laser fabrication, optical manipulation, multi-plane imaging, depth estimation, optical data storage, etc.

Generation of diffraction-free Bessel beams based on combined axicons

Generation of diffraction-free Bessel beams based on combined axicons

Linear and nonlinear photonic spin Hall effect induced by analog circular birefringence of Bessel-like beams

The spin Hall effect of a light beam is essentially a product of circular birefringence but is rarely demonstrated. Here, we provide a scheme for initiating off-axis circular birefringence based on the spin-dependent wave vector bifurcation of Bessel beams via a single liquid crystal Pancharatnam–Berry phase element. The tilted Bessel beam shows a detectable photonic spin Hall effect. By introducing the nonlinear propagation trajectories, the spin Hall effect is greatly enhanced. More surprisingly, the two spin states exactly propagate along the scaled trajectories, enabling flexible control of the spin separation. This phenomenon is also applicable to other Bessel-like beams with nonlinear trajectories, which have been already reported.

Bessel Beams in Ophthalmology: A Review.

The achievable resolution of a conventional imaging system is inevitably limited due to diffraction. Dealing with precise imaging in scattering media, such as in the case of biomedical imaging, is even more difficult owing to the weak signal-to-noise ratios. Recent developments in non-diffractive beams such as Bessel beams, Airy beams, vortex beams, and Mathieu beams have paved the way to tackle some of these challenges. This review specifically focuses on non-diffractive Bessel beams for ophthalmological applications. The theoretical foundation of the non-diffractive Bessel beam is discussed first followed by a review of various ophthalmological applications utilizing Bessel beams. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques in comparison to those of existing state-of-the-art ophthalmological systems are discussed. The review concludes with an overview of the current developments and the future perspectives of non-diffractive beams in ophthalmology.

High uniformity Bessel beam generated by the axicon with a high-order curved surface

High uniformity Bessel beam generated by the axicon with a high-order curved surface

Bessel Beam Dielectrics Cutting with Femtosecond Laser in GHz-Burst Mode.

We report, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, Bessel beam dielectrics cutting with a femtosecond laser in GHz-burst mode. The non-diffractive beam shaping is based on the use of an axicon and allows for cutting glasses up to 1 mm thickness with an excellent cutting quality. Moreover, we present a comparison of the cutting results with the state-of-the-art method, consisting of short MHz-bursts of femtosecond pulses. We further illustrate the influence of the laser beam parameters such as the burst energy and the pitch between consecutive Bessel beams on the machining quality of the cutting plane and provide process windows for both regimes.

Modulating the trapping and manipulation of semiconductor particles using Bessel beam optical tweezers

We show that the optical trapping and manipulation of spherical-shaped semiconductor (germanium) particles can be strongly modulated and controlled using optical tweezers based on a highly focused Bessel beam. Depending on the setup parameters, the germanium beads can be stably trapped outside the optical axis, present a characteristic oscillatory dynamics near the focal plane or even be repelled from the focus. This intricate behavior was studied by varying relevant parameters such as the laser power, the radius of the Bessel beam and the focal height of the trap. The results show that Bessel beam optical tweezers using germanium beads are very versatile tools for applying pico- to femto-Newton constant or oscillatory forces on systems, opening perspectives for new applications in soft matter science and correlated fields, as well as in the construction of microdevices.

Local and high‐strength joining of transparent glass and glass‐ceramics by femtosecond Bessel beam

AbstractThe creation of robust joint among different materials with notably different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) is an urgent task for the development of the engineering, laser technology, and aerospace industry. In this regard, femtosecond laser welding is a promising technique for efficient adhesion‐free bonding of transparent materials. This paper reports on the laser welding of laser phosphate glass (CTE = 110 × 10−7 K−1) and spinel‐based glass–ceramic (CTE = 50 × 10−7 K−1) by the Bessel beam. Dependencies of weld geometric parameters on the pulse energy and scanning speed were investigated, and the laser exposure conditions were optimized for durable welding. The weld joints were tested on shear strength, which was shown to be as record high as up to 147 MPa. Atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental analysis were used to investigate the structure and morphology of the weld after its fracture, which revealed the laser‐induced amorphization of glass–ceramics and the formation of strong interconnection by laser‐driven mutual diffusion of two glassy phases. The results demonstrate the prospects for using femtosecond lasers for efficient industrial welding of a wide range of materials.

Variable Bessel Beam Profiles Generated through Refraction by Liquid Media.

Various methods have been employed to produce Bessel beams (BBs), with axicon-based techniques remaining the most efficient. Among the limitations of axicons are manufacturing defects such as oblate tips and difficulty in tuning the generated BBs. In this work, we combine the effect of a blunt-tip axicon with refraction using various combinations of liquid media to generate variable BB intensity profiles. The output BBs from the axicon are made to pass through a custom-built fluid chamber and magnified using a telescope system. When traversing an empty chamber, the Bessel beam core diameter is measured to be 773.8 µm at propagation distance z' = 30 cm. The core diameter increases as the beam passes through a chamber containing different liquids as a result of an effective axicon-telescope distance produced by the indices of refraction of the pertinent fluids. Bessel beams modified by the fluid chamber maintain the properties of non-diffraction and self-healing.

Quantitative Analysis of the Effect of Atmospheric Turbulence on a Bessel–Gaussian Beam

Suppressing the impact of atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation is a bottleneck problem in the application of free space optical communications, with the primary difficulty being the lack of a quantitative description of the effect of turbulence on a laser beam. In this paper, we propose a quantitative description of the effect of turbulence and express a quantitative analysis of the effect of atmospheric turbulence on Bessel–Gaussian beam based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle. The results of numerical analysis confirm the validity of the theoretical description. This study also shows that the influence of turbulence is stronger when the annular shape of the Bessel–Gaussian beam is more obvious. The method also provides theoretical guidance for reverse engineering the amplitude and phase distribution of the initial laser beam, thereby effectively reducing the impact of atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation.

Fabrication of a multilevel Fresnel axicon deep in fused silica by femtosecond laser machining.

This manuscript presents a simple approach to the manufacturing and optimization of a multilevel phase-only diffractive conical lens (Fresnel axicon or "fraxicon"). The method for recording deep type I modifications in fused silica was established and its ability proven. We showed the prospects and limitations of elements processed using this method. The fine and advanced parameters optimization allowed us to get a compensation mechanism for almost uniform refractive index change for each separate layer. The maximum diffraction efficiency of the fraxicon for a wavelength of 515 nm was ∼80%. The measured Bessel beam depth of field was compared with commercially available conical lens axicons and showed good agreement.

Efficient fabrication of infrared antireflective microstructures on a curved Diamond-ZnS composite surface by using femtosecond Bessel-like beams.

Antireflective microstructures fabricated using femtosecond laser possess wide-ranging applicability and high stability across different spectral bands. However, due to the limited aspect ratio of the focused light field, traditional femtosecond laser manufacturing faces challenges in efficiently fabricating antireflective microstructures with high aspect ratio and small period, which are essential for antireflection, on curved surfaces. In this study, we present a robust and efficient method for fabricating high-aspect-ratio and basal surface insensitive antireflective microstructures using a spatially shaped Bessel-like beam. Based on theoretical simulation, a redesigned telescopic system is proposed to flexibly equalize the intensity of the Bessel beam along its propagation direction, facilitating the fabrication of antireflective subwavelength structures on the entire convex lens. The fabricated microstructures, featuring a width of less than 2 µm and a depth of 1 µm, enhance transmittance from 75% to 85% on Diamond-ZnS composite material (D-ZnS) surfaces. Our approach enables the creation of high aspect ratio subwavelength structures with a z-position difference exceeding 600 µm. This practical, efficient, and cost-effective method is facilitated for producing antireflective surfaces on aero-optical components utilized in aviation.

Generating scalar and vector modes of Bessel beams utilizing holographic axicon phase with spatial light modulator

This paper presents an efficient method for the generation of scalar as well as vector modes of Bessel–Gaussian (BG) beams by utilizing a computer generated phase-only mask encoded using the spatial light modulator (SLM). A phase-only hologram corresponding to the transmission function of axicon combined with a spatial phase plate (SPP) is used. The SPP converts a Gaussian field into a phase singular beam of order l associated with an azimuthally varying spiral wavefront structure and the axicon helps achieve non-diffracting BG beams. A compact experimental setup is proposed for the experimental realization of BG fields possessing both homogeneous as well as spatially varying polarization distributions across the transverse plane. Scalar BG beams are generated through the modulation of the combined phase patterns of axicon and SPP with the SLM. Vector BG beams are generated in two special cases: azimuthally and radially polarized inhomogeneous distributions through dual-passes from the SLM. A non-interferometric technique of dual-pass modulation, from the phase patterns displayed on a single SLM, which is divided into two halves, has been utilized. Here, scalar BG beams with orthogonal phase structure are encoded into orthogonal components of incoming light for vector BG beam generation.