Coherent Backscattering Of Light Research Articles

Coherent backscattering of light from a Faraday medium

We study coherent backscattering (CBS) of light from a magnetoactive medium doped by Mie particles. A novel version of the CBS diffusion theory is developed, which takes into account both the Faraday effect and the effect of circular polarization memory specific to Mie scattering. The theory is based on a system of coupled diffusion equations for two slowly decaying cooperon modes arising from interference of waves with coinciding helicities. The impact of a magnetic field on CBS is shown to be controlled by the ratio of the helicity-flip scattering cross section to the transport scattering one. If this ratio is small, the CBS can exhibit unusual features first found experimentally by R. Lenke, R. Lehner, and G. Maret [Europhys. Lett. 52, 620 (2000)]. In the magnetic field parallel to the sample surface, the peak of coherent backscattering for circularly polarized light is shifted from the exact backward direction, while, for linearly polarized light, it splits in two ones for both co- and cross-polarization channels, and the backscattered waves acquire circular polarization. Saturation of the magnetic field dependence of the CBS cone occurs in the magnetic field normal to the surface. If the above ratio is close to unity (Rayleigh scattering) all these features disappear, and the effect of the magnetic field on the CBS angular profile is reduced to the universal law studied previously. The results obtained are in good quantitative agreement with the available Monte Carlo simulation and experimental data.

Thermal biphotons

The observation of the Hanbury Brown and Twiss (HBT) effect with thermal light marked the birth of quantum optics. All the thermal sources considered to date did not feature quantum signatures of light, as they consisted of independent emitters that emit uncorrelated photons. Here, we propose and demonstrate an incoherent light source based on phase-randomized spatially entangled photons, which we coin thermal biphotons. We show that in contrast to thermal light, the width of the HBT peak for thermal biphotons is determined by their correlations, leading to violation of the Siegert relation and breakdown of the speckle-fluctuations interpretation. We further provide an alternative interpretation of the results by drawing a connection between the HBT effect and coherent backscattering of light. Finally, we discuss the role of spatial entanglement in the observed results, deriving a relation between the Schmidt number and the degree of violation of the Siegert relation under the double-Gaussian approximation of spontaneous parametric down conversion. Our work reflects new insights on the coherence properties of thermal light in the presence of entanglement, paving the way for entanglement certification using disorder averaged measurements.

Coherent atomic mirror formed by randomly distributed ions inside a crystal.

Spatial distribution of atoms plays an important role in the interaction of atomic ensembles and electromagnetic fields. In this Letter, we show that by spatio-spectral tailoring of atomic absorption, one can effectively carve out a periodic array from randomly distributed atomic ensembles hosted by a solid-state crystal. Furthermore, we observe collective atomic resonances and coherent backscattering of light from rare-earth-doped crystals. Coherent backscattering as high as 20% was observed for light at telecom wavelength from Er ions, forming an effective array with over 5000 centers.

Coherent backscattering from an ensemble of Mie-particles immersed in a magneto-active medium

We show that coherent backscattering of light from a disordered sample in a magnetic field can exhibit unusual features. The helicity retention in scattering from particles of the sample underlies these features. In the magnetic field parallel to the sample surface, the peak of coherent backscattering of circularly polarized light shifts from the backward direction by an angle proportional to the magnetic field strength. For linearly polarized light the coherent backscattering cone splits into two ones. The results obtained correlate well with the available experimental data.

Coherence of Raman light arises from disorder

Light propagation in random materials is a topic of great interest for the scientific community, not only for the possible relevant applications in the fields of photonics and renewable energies but even more since it allows to unveil new fascinating phenomena related to wave physics. Among these physical events, the most robust and always surviving any ensemble average is the coherent backscattering of light (CBS). It is a very subtle interference effect in disordered scattering media (such as semiconductor powders or micro-particle suspensions like milk or fog), in which wave coherence is preserved even after a very large number of random scattering events, eventually manifesting as a maximum of interference in the exact backscattering direction. CBS is related to the well-defined wave character and to the preservation of the optical information, for this reason it has been so far experimentally observed and theoretically studied only for elastic scattering, while the occurrence of inelastic scattering is known to reduce the degree of coherence in the diffusion process, affecting the visibility of the effect. Fazio et al. (2017) have demonstrated that this experimental evidence surprisingly survives also for the inelastic light scattering, such as the spontaneous Raman process, as long as the optical information of the propagating wave is retained. In this kind of inelastic scattering events, light loses a small part of its energy by slightly changing wavelength. Its phase coherence, however, is preserved for a very short time, thus making interference between Raman scattered waves still possible. The observed maximum of interference in the exact backscattering direction is therefore a signature of the coherent nature of individual Raman scattering processes. To date, indications on the coherence properties of Raman scattering have been reported only by looking at the nanoscopic scale, through complex near-field experiments making use of very sharp tips or through ultra-fast time resolved techniques. This time, however, we did not rely on complex experiments or advanced techniques. Conversely, the combination of an accurate experimental procedure and the unique structural properties of a silicon-based material were the only simple ingredients for the observation of a new unexpected physical phenomenon. In particular, a dense forest of ultrathin silicon wires arranged in a disordered fashion, where light waves bounce back and forth countless times before coming out, was the medium that allowed us to reveal this new effect, which opens the way for new and important discoveries.

Features of the Angular Distribution of Light Scattered by a Cold Atomic Ensemble Placed in a Static Electric Field

The angular distribution of light scattered by a cold atomic ensemble placed in an external electric field is investigated analytically. It is shown that the Stark splitting of atomic levels substantially modifies the character of multiple scattering and, in particular, the effect of coherent backscattering of light. The possibility of using the described approaches in the diagnostics of magnetic nanofluids and perfect optical crystals is discussed.

Coherent backscattering of light by an anisotropic biological network

The scattering strength of a random medium relies on the geometry and spatial distribution of its components as well as on their refractive index. Anisotropy can, therefore, play a major role in the optimization of the scattering efficiency in both biological and synthetic materials. In this study, we show that, by exploiting the coherent backscattering phenomenon, it is possible to characterize the optical anisotropy in Cyphochilus beetle scales without the need to change their orientation or their thickness. For this reason, such a static and easily accessible experimental approach is particularly suitable for the study of biological specimens. Moreover, estimation of the anisotropy in Cyphochilus beetle scales might provide inspiration for improving the scattering strength of artificial white materials.

Controllable coherent backscattering of light in disordered media filled with liquid crystal.

We have investigated multiple scattering of light in a disordered system based on liquid crystals for a temperature-controllable random laser. Coherent backscattering measurements at several temperatures have been well fitted by the theoretical model deduced for a random collection of spherical point scatters based on a diffusion approximation. The transport mean free path exclusively depends on the diffusivity of the liquid crystalline phase of the hybrid scattering system. It is shown how the laser threshold excitation intensity is strongly correlated with the transport mean free path.

Double anisotropic coherent backscattering of light.

A double anisotropic coherent backscattering cone was found. In contrast to the (single) anisotropic coherent backscattering, which was observed in liquid crystals, here, the long axis of the elongated structures changes its orientation with angular distance. We compared our results with the two-dimensional Fourier transform of spatially resolved reflectance measurements and found good agreement, which is predicted by the reciprocity thesis. Furthermore, a Monte Carlo model was applied to reproduce successfully the results of the experiment, whereas the double anisotropy is not predicted by diffusion models.

Control of coherent backscattering by breaking optical reciprocity

Reciprocity is a universal principle that has a profound impact on many areas of physics. A fundamental phenomenon in condensed-matter physics, optical physics, and acoustics, arising from reciprocity, is the constructive interference of quantum or classical waves which propagate along time-reversed paths in disordered media, leading to, for example, weak localization and metal-insulator transition. Previous studies have shown that such coherent effects are suppressed when reciprocity is broken. Here we experimentally show that by tuning a nonreciprocal phase we can coherently control complex coherent phenomena, rather than simply suppress them. In particular, we manipulate coherent backscattering of light, also known as weak localization. By utilizing a magneto-optical effect, we control the interference between time-reversed paths inside a multimode fiber with strong mode mixing, observe the optical analog of weak antilocalization, and realize a continuous transition from weak localization to weak antilocalization. Our results may open new possibilities for coherent control of waves in complex systems.

Ultrasensitive and fast detection of denaturation of milk by coherent backscattering of light.

In this work, Coherence backscattering (CBS) of light has been used to detect the onset of denaturation of milk. The CBS cone shape and its enhancement factor are found to be highly sensitive to the physical state of the milk particles. The onset of denaturing of milk not visible to the naked eye, can be easily detected from changes in the CBS cone shape. The onset of denaturation is confirmed by spectral changes in Raman spectra from these milk samples. Further, the possibility to estimate the dilution of milk by water as an adulterant is demonstrated. The method reported has a broad scope in industry for making an inline ultrafast cost effective sensor for milk quality monitoring during production and before consumption.

Zoom system for measurement of coherent backscattering of light in micro- and nanomaterials

We report on an optical system capable of detecting backscattering cones within a wide angular range—from less than mrad up to 500 mrad. It is based on an intermediate optical system placed between the sample and the CCD camera equipped with a 5 × zoom objective. The theory of operation is explained and experimental results are presented.

Simulation of coherent backscattering of light in nematic liquid crystals

Multiple scattering of light by the fluctuations of the director in a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) aligned by a magnetic field is considered. A peak of coherent backscattering is calculated by numerical simulation. Since the indicatrix of single scattering for a liquid crystal (LC) is known exactly, the calculations are carried out without any simplifying assumptions on the parameters of the liquid crystal. Multiple scattering is simulated as a random walk of photons in the medium. A peak of coherent backscattering in such a medium is very narrow; therefore, the so-called semianalytical method is applied. The parameters of the backscattering peak obtained by numerical simulation are compared with the available experimental data and with the results of analytical approximations. It turns out that the experimental data are in good agreement with the results of simulation. The results of numerical simulation adequately describe the anisotropy and the width of the backscattering peak.

Optically Controlled Coherent Backscattering from a Water Suspension of Positive Uniaxial Microcrystals

Coherent backscattering of light from a water suspension of zirconium silicate microcrystals is experimentally studied. Optically controlled weak localization of photons is realized, which is due to the reorientation behaviors of positive uniaxial microcrystals induced by a linearly polarized pump beam. Because zirconium silicate particles are positive uniaxial microcrystals, their reorientation behaviors are contrary to negative ones. Our work widely extends the materials used in the light-controllable weak localization of photons.

Structure of whispering-gallery modes in optical microdisks perturbed by nanoparticles

It is a well-known fact that a single nanoparticle placed in the evanescent field of an optical microdisk leads to coherent backscattering of light between counterpropagating whispering-gallery modes. This backscattering lifts the spectral degeneracy giving rise to a doublet of standing-wave modes. Here, we show that the evanescent coupling of two or more nanoparticles leads in general to asymmetric backscattering (i.e., the strength of the scattering of light from the clockwise to the counterclockwise propagation direction is different than the other way around). Even if the strength of the backscattering is weak its asymmetry can have a dramatic impact on the mode structure. In the regime of overlapping resonances the modes do not have a standing-wave character. Instead nonorthogonal pairs of mainly copropagating modes are formed. In the extreme case the pair of optical modes coalesce at a so-called exceptional point. We derive an effective Hamiltonian within a two-mode approximation which reveals that this unexpected behavior is due to interference of the scattered waves which can be destructive or constructive depending on the propagation direction of the light.

Broadband coherent backscattering spectroscopy of the interplay between order and disorder in three-dimensional opal photonic crystals

We present an investigation of coherent backscattering of light that is multiple scattered by a photonic crystal by using a broadband technique. The results significantly extend on previous backscattering measurements on photonic crystals by simultaneously accessing a large frequency and angular range. Backscatter cones around the stop gap are successfully modeled with diffusion theory for a random medium. Strong variations of the apparent mean free path and the cone enhancement are observed around the stop band. The variations of the mean free path are described by a semiempirical three-gap model including band structure effects on the internal reflection and penetration depth. A good match between theory and experiment is obtained without the need of additional contributions of group velocity or density of states. It is found that the internal reflection contribution does not improve the semiempirical fits. We argue that the cone enhancement reveals additional information on directional transport properties that are otherwise averaged out in diffuse multiple scattering.

Light-controllable coherent backscattering from water suspension of lithium niobate microcrystalline particles

We experimentally study coherent backscattering of light for a water suspension of lithium niobate microcrystalline particles. Light-controllable weak localization of photons in a suspension is demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge. The effect is attributed to the reorientation of microcrystalline particles in the field of a linearly polarized pump beam. Thus the isotropic suspension becomes partially anisotropic.

The pump-probe approach to coherent backscattering of intense laser light from cold atoms

We present a new approach to near-resonant coherent backscattering of light from cold two-level atoms. In the dilute regime, where the distance between atoms is much larger than the laser wavelength, this approach is able to account for multi-photon scattering processes between many atoms through solutions of single-atom optical Bloch equations. We elaborate the method for double scattering from two atoms, and discuss the way of its extension for dilute, cold atomic clouds.

Coherent backscattering of light in nematic liquid crystals

Multiple light scattering by director fluctuations in nematic liquid crystals is considered. A uniform director orientation is assumed to be specified by an applied magnetic field. The coherent backscattering effect, which consists in the presence of a sharp light backscattering peak, is studied. The Bethe-Salpeter equation is used to calculate the multiple scattering intensity taking into account the contributions of ladder and cyclic diagrams. An analytical expression for the angular and polarization dependences of the coherent backscattering intensity is obtained in terms of the diffusion approximation. The calculation and experimental results are compared. The developed theory is shown to qualitatively describe the elliptical shape of the backscattering cone, to explain the absence of a coherent contribution for crossed polarizations, and to calculate the relative peak height.

Dynamics of random laser and coherent backscattering of light from ZnO amplifying random medium

We investigated the dynamics of coherent backscattering cone and random laser in a disordered gain medium of ZnO powder. Theoretical fit to the coherent backscattering cone yields a transport mean free path l approximately equal to the probe wavelength λ, indicating that the scattering process is in the strong scattering regime. Supernarrow emissions from the laser are accompanied by enhancement and sharpening of the coherent backscattering cone. This enhanced and sharpened backscattering cone returns to a normal profile within 10–20ps, indicating an ultrafast gain lifetime in the medium, which is in good agreement with the time-resolved measurement of the random laser emissions.