Optical Physics Research Articles

Beyond Moiré with Spatial Frequency Mastery via δ-Function Expansion Metasurface.

Mastering spatial frequency manipulation within momentum space is pivotal yet challenging, particularly in mitigating moiré patterns that significantly impair image quality across diverse applications. Conventional methods often require trade-offs in spatial resolution or fall short of completely eradicating unwanted frequencies, further burdened by complex post-processing demands. In this work, a novel coherent δ-function expansion technique implemented through an all-silicon metasurface, affording unparalleled synergistic control over arbitrarily selected spatial frequencies via refined k-space amplitude and phase modulations is introduced. This approach transcends traditional global methods by harnessing a sophisticated ensemble of multiple δ-functions, enabling a holistic manipulation of spatial frequencies. The periodicity introduced by this approach also enables the feasibility of infinitely spatial stitching expansion for metasurfaces while maintaining high energy utilization efficiency. The methodology excels in the meticulous removal of local moiré frequencies while concurrently facilitating numerous advanced optical functions, including mixed partial differentiation and noise suppression, all within the optical domain. This work heralds a significant leap forward in optical manipulation, presenting a viable, scalable alternative to complex electronic post-processing. Through this work, not only a longstanding challenge is addressed in optical physics but also open new avenues for research and application in photodetection and optical processing technologies.

Controlling Matter Phases beyond Markov.

Controlling phase transitions in quantum systems via coupling to reservoirs has been mostly studied for idealized memory-less environments under the so-called Markov approximation. Yet, most quantum materials and experiments in the solid state, atomic, molecular and optical physics are coupled to reservoirs with finite memory times. Here, using the spectral theory of non-Markovian dissipative phase transitions developed in the companion paper [Debecker, Martin, and Damanet (to be published)], we show that memory effects can be leveraged to reshape matter phase boundaries, but also reveal the existence of dissipative phase transitions genuinely triggered by non-Markovian effects.

Soliton solutions of nonlinear coupled Davey–Stewartson Fokas system using modified auxiliary equation method and extended (G′/G2)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(G'/G^{2})$$\\end{document}-expansion method

The captivating realm of the nonlinear coupled Davey–Stewartson Fokas system is explored in this research paper. As a powerful tool, the proposed system is utilized for the realistic representation of various non-linear dynamical mechanisms in different fields of sciences and engineering including non-linear optical fibers, plasma physics and water waves theory. Two distinct exact methods, namely the modified auxiliary equation method and the extended (G′/G2)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$(G'/G^{2})$$\\end{document}-expansion method, are utilized to acquire the exact soliton solutions of the non-linear coupled Davey–Stewartson Fokas system. A plethora of novel soliton solutions containing anti-kink, kink, bright, dark, dark-bright, bright-dark and some other singular soliton solutions, have been obtained using the employed exact methods. The significance of proposed manuscript lies in the novelty of obtained solutions. Kink, dark and bright solitons have wide applications in optical fiber communications, plasma physics and water waves dynamics. The acquired nontrivial exact solutions contain exponential, trigonometric, rational and hyperbolic functions. Some obtained solutions are visually represented through graphical simulations of 3D, 2D-contour and 2D-line plots, providing a comprehensive visualization of the soliton dynamics.The modulation instability of the proposed nonlinear system has been investigated, which ensures the stability of the system.

A comprehensive study on geometric shape optical soliton solutions to the time-factional nonlinear Schrödinger-Hirota equation

In this study, we investigate the analytical soliton solutions of a fundamental model, namely the nonlinear Schrödinger-Hirota equation, in the context of beta time-fractional derivative. We adopt the (ω′/ω, 1/ω)-expansion method, which is a reliable and straightforward approach to extract fresh and general soliton solutions in terms of hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions. The solitons include anti-kink, anti-bell-shaped, bell-shaped, and periodic solitons. These solitons have significant applications in various scientific fields, such as optical fiber communications, signal processing, plasma physics, and trans-oceanic data transfer. This study demonstrates the significance of fractional-order differentiation in revealing new solitons. We also provide a comprehensive comparison with existing literature in normal and anomalous dispersion regions, highlighting the uniqueness of the solutions. Moreover, the graphical representations are used to illustrate the properties and potential applications of these solitons. This research might contribute to the advancement of nonlinear optical research and technology.

Resonant-mode metasurface thermal super mirror by deep learning-assisted optimization algorithms

A “super-mirror” having ultrahigh infrared reflectance is achieved by an optimized photonic contrast grating metasurface. Finding ways to achieve this exceptional performance can be enabled by implementing global optimization and machine learning elements, such as Bayesian optimization and genetic algorithm. Here, we acquired an optimized grating design made of high-index germanium, which excites resonances that result in ultralow emittance at certain wavelengths. Our optimizations assisted in the discovery of hybridized coupling of Fabry-Pérot modes and guided modes in a monolithic microscale multilayered coating. We demonstrate constraints in the given geometric variable ranges improves the overall performance of algorithms. We also show the enhanced performance of a deep learning Feedforward Neural Network, which is implemented as the inverse design using the network trained with dataset obtained from Bayesian optimization and Genetic Algorithm approaches. The performance of the Feedforward Neural Network-assisted design produced normal emissivity difference by only +3.5 %, with lower sensitivity to grating dimensional parameter variations. The improvement is achieved by predicting and better understanding of the optical physics of resonant gratings. The proposed few-layer grating coating can be applied to space components, enclosures, and vessels to suppress thermal radiative heat loss.

Embodied curriculum mapping as a foundation for critical self-reflection and culture change

This article describes a first-person qualitative research study to understand how common pedagogical approaches and cultural learning environments in STEM impact individuals. Prior to the study, the author observed that many students who were successful in advanced undergraduate neuroscience courses reported having struggled academically, socially, or emotionally in introductory STEM courses. The objective was to generate new ideas for approaches to address high rates of student attrition from introductory STEM courses related to this full range of issues through curriculum development. The author, a neurobiologist and tenured faculty member at the institution, audited four introductory STEM courses: Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, Atoms & Molecules, Calculus 1, and Introductory Physics 2: Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics, offered by tenured colleagues in four different departments. A total of approximately 600 hours was spent by the author attending lectures, participating in classroom activities, completing homework, and studying for assessments. Homework, quizzes, and exams were marked by the course faculty using the same criteria as were applied for student work. In addition to measures of academic performance collected through the normal assessments, the author made note of her own emotional responses throughout the course of the study, which is why the process was dubbed ‘embodied’ curriculum mapping. The emotional responses revealed high levels of emotional stress associated with assessment, sensitivity to disciplinary boundary reinforcement, and a complex role of social and academic identity in all aspects of the experience. Given the first-person nature of the study, the potential future generalizability of the findings must be considered in light of the various revealed aspects of identity and experience of the author and subjected to further study using a broader range of empirical methodologies. The focus of this article’s conclusions and recommendations is therefore the impact of the process on the author and the potential for a similar process to serve as a foundation for critical self-reflection and learning for other STEM educators. The author recommends the process as a generative tool for pedagogical innovation and building faculty capacity for culture change in STEM.

Toroidal phase topologies within paraxial laser beams

Control of topologies in structured light fields with multi-degrees of freedom integrates fundamental optical physics and topological invariance. Beyond the simple phase vortex, three-dimensional (3D) topological singularities and related nonsingular textures have recently gained significant interest. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the creation of a family of toroidal phase topologies within paraxial laser beams. By employing single two-dimensional (2D) phase control, we generate propagating 3D topological textures, effectively embodying the topological configuration of a four-dimensional (4D) parameter space. The resulting light fields exhibit amplitude isosurfaces of toroidal vortices and hopfionic phase textures, both controlled by topological charges. The ability to prepare scalar phase textures of light offers new insights into the high-dimensional control of complex structured textures and may find significant applications in light-matter interactions, optical manipulation, and optical information encoding.

Interactions among lump optical solitons for coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation with variable coefficient via bilinear method

In this paper, a non-autonomous (3+1) dimensional coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) with variable coefficients in optical fiber communication is analyzed. By means of bilinear technique and symbolic computations, new multi-soliton solutions of the coupled model in different trigonometric and lump functions are given. Then, in terms of perturbed waves, considering the steady state solution and the small perturbation on the three directions x, y, z and the time t, the soliton transmission are also considered. The behaviour of interaction among lump periodic soliton is studied and optical soliton solutions are reached. This study has certain significance for the analysis of other nonlinear dispersion systems and the application of optical physics. The results are presented through graphs generated by using Maple. The important feature of the proposed study is to show different behaviour of the soliton at each component. The behaviour of solitons, their interactions, and their transformations are all governed by the fundamental concept of energy conservation in all three examples. We demonstrate the efficiency of our suggested methodology for analyzing the NLSE equations using the numerical simulations and analytical tools, yielding fresh insights into their behaviour and solutions. Our findings help to develop mathematical tools for investigating nonlinear partial differential equation (NLPDEs) and provide new insights on the dynamics of NLSE equations, which have implications for many domains of physics and applied mathematics

Effect of improvised periscope on students interest and academic achievement in optics in Physics.

Effect of improvised periscope on students interest and academic achievement in optics in Physics.

Dynamic response diagnosis of an ultrasound field in water utilizing a birefringence-Zeeman dual-frequency laser

The interesting interaction between the laser and the ultrasound field in a liquid medium has been an issue in optical physics research, attracting a large number of experimental and theoretical studies. To facilitate the real-time detection of dynamic ultrasonic signals within liquid environments, experiments involving laser heterodyne and self-mixing interferometry were employed. In order to achieve the purpose of the research, we designed a birefringent-Zeeman dual-frequency laser for the experiments. Through experimental and simulation studies, we elucidated the physical mechanism of ultrasound signals propagating in liquid media and their modulatory impact on laser systems. Meanwhile, the ultrasonic signal frequency measured via the laser self-mixing interferometry approach exhibits an average error of 0.87%, a signal intensity of −14.55dBm, and sensitivity is 28.9 dB higher than laser heterodyne interferometry. These high-precision, high-resolution optical detection methodologies promise to rectify the shortcomings inherent in traditional ultrasonic detection techniques concerning calibration.

Inverse design of topological photonic time crystals via deep learning

Photonic time crystals are a new kind of photonic system in modern optical physics, leading to devices with new properties in time. However, so far, it is still a challenge to design photonic time crystals with specific topological states due to the complex relations between time crystal structures and topological properties. Here, we propose a deep-learning-based approach to address this challenge. In a photonic time crystal with time inversion symmetry, each band separated by momentum gaps can have a non-zero quantized Berry phase. We show that the neural network can learn the relationship between time crystal structures and Berry phases, and then determine the crystal structures of photonic time crystals based on given Berry phase properties. Our work shows a new way of applying machine learning to the inverse design of time-varying optical systems and has potential extensions to other fields, such as time-varying phononic devices.

Digital pedagogy: experiential learning theory improves mathematics learners’ engagement and learning outcomes in optical physics course

In response to the evolving educational landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores the application of experiential learning theory (ELT) in an Optical Physics course for mathematics undergraduates. With a focus on improving engagement and academic performance, we address the critical need for effective pedagogical approaches in a virtual environment. The study involves 176 students, encompassing a wide demographic spectrum, during 2021, and utilises an extensive theoretical framework to support the ELT approach. The core of the study is an innovative learning model based on hands-on experiments, designed to enhance engagement, deepen understanding, and promote active learning. Students perform a series of experiments, reflect on their observations, connect theory to practice, and answer challenging questions that link theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Our results reveal a significant improvement in students’ academic outcomes, with higher average grades and reduced course abandonment compared to the previous year. The study also explores students’ perceptions, revealing their appreciation for this active learning approach, as it enhances motivation, concentration, enjoyment, and perceived learning. Collecting data through questionnaires, in-class feedback, andpost-class email reflections further validates the effectiveness of the Kolb-based ELT approach. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the power of implementing hands-on experiential learning in virtual education settings, fostering deeper engagement and improved academic outcomes, especially in a post-pandemic world where such pedagogical innovation is vital.

Bifurcation study, phase portraits and optical solitons of dual-mode resonant nonlinear Schrodinger dynamical equation with Kerr law non-linearity

This study investigates the dynamic characteristics of the dual-mode resonant non-linear Schrodinger equation with a Bhom potential. Hydrodynamics, nonlinear optical fibre communication, elastic media, and plasma physics are just a few of the mathematical physics and engineering applications for this model. The study aims to achieve two main objectives: first, to discuss bifurcation analysis, and second, to extract optical soliton solutions using the extended hyperbolic function method. The study successfully derives various wave solutions, including bright, singular, periodic singular and dark solitons, based on the governing model. The findings conferred in this article show a crucial advancement in understanding the propagation of waves in non-linear media. Additionally, bifurcation of phase portraits of ordinary differential equation consistent with the partial differential equation under consideration is conducted. We also highlight specific constraint conditions that ensure the presence of these obtained solutions. The existing literature shows that these methods are first time applied on this model.

Nonlinear-Optical Analogies in Nuclear-Like Soliton Reactions: Selection Rules, Nonlinear Tunneling and Sub-Barrier Fusion–Fission

Abstract The main goal of our study is to reveal unexpected but intriguing analogies arising between optical solitons and nuclear physics, which still remain hidden from us. We consider the main cornerstones of the concept of nonlinear optics of nuclear reactions and the well-dressed repulsive-core solitons. On the base of this model, we reveal the most intriguing properties of the nonlinear tunneling of nucleus-like solitons and the soliton self-induced sub-barrier transparency effect. We describe novel interesting and stimulating analogies between the interaction of nucleus-like solitons on the repulsive barrier and nuclear sub-barrier reactions. The main finding of this study concerns the conservation of total number of nucleons (or the baryon number) in nuclear-like soliton reactions. We show that inelastic interactions among well-dressed repulsive-core solitons arise only when a “cloud” of “dressing” spectral side-bands appears in the frequency spectra of the solitons. This property of nucleus-like solitons is directly related to the nuclear density distribution described by the dimensionless small shape-squareness parameter. Thus the Fourier spectra of nucleus-like solitons are similar to the nuclear form factors. We show that the nuclear-like reactions between well-dressed solitons are realized by “exchange” between “particle-like” side bands in their spectra.

Nonlinear optical physics at terahertz frequency

Abstract Terahertz (THz) waves have exhibited promising prospects in 6G/7G communications, sensing, nondestructive detection, material modulation, and biomedical applications. With the development of high-power THz sources, more and more nonlinear optical effects at THz frequency and THz-induced nonlinear optical phenomena are investigated. These studies not only show a clear physics picture of electrons, ions, and molecules but also provide many novel applications in sensing, imaging, communications, and aerospace. Here, we review recent developments in THz nonlinear physics and THz-induced nonlinear optical phenomena. This review provides an overview and illustrates examples of how to achieve strong THz nonlinear phenomena and how to use THz waves to achieve nonlinear material modulation.

Chaotic behavior, bifurcations, sensitivity analysis, and novel optical soliton solutions to the Hamiltonian amplitude equation in optical physics

This study, highlights the exact optical soliton solutions in the context of optical physics, centering on the intricate Hamiltonian amplitude equation with bifurcation and sensitivity analysis. This equation is pivotal in optics which underpins the understanding of optical manifestations, encompassing solitons, nonlinear consequences, and wave interactions. Applying an analytical expansion approach, we extract diverse optical solutions, having trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational functions. Next, we utilize concepts from the principle of planar dynamical systems to investigate the bifurcation processes and chaotic behaviors present in this derived system. Additionally, we use the Runge–Kutta scheme to carry out a thorough sensitivity analysis of the dynamical system. It has been verified through this analytical process that small variations in beginning conditions have negligible effects on the stability of the solution using bifurcation analysis. Validation via Mathematica software ensures the accuracy of these findings. Furthermore, we employ dynamic visualizations, such as 2D, 3D, and contour plots, to illustrate various soliton patterns, including kink, multi-kink, single periodic, multi-periodic, singular, and semi-bell-shaped configurations. These visual representations provide a glimpse into the fascinating behavior of optical phenomena. The solutions obtained via this proposed method showcase its efficacy, dependability, and simplicity in comparison to various alternative approaches.

Abundant New Optical Soliton Solutions to the Biswas–Milovic Equation with Sensitivity Analysis for Optimization

This study extensively explores the Biswas–Milovic equation (BME) with Kerr and power law nonlinearity to extract the unique characteristics of optical soliton solutions. These optical soliton solutions have different applications in the field of precision in optical switching, applications in waveguide design, exploration of nonlinear optical effects, imaging precision, reduced intensity fluctuations, suitability for optical signal processing in optical physics, etc. Through the powerful (G′/G, 1/G)-expansion analytical method, a variety of soliton solutions are expressed in three distinct forms: trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational expressions. Rigorous validation using Mathematica software ensures precision, while dynamic visual representations vividly portray various soliton patterns such as kink, anti-kink, singular soliton, hyperbolic, dark soliton, and periodic bright soliton solutions. Indeed, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess how changes in parameters affect the exact solutions, aiding in the understanding of system behavior and informing decision-making, especially in accurately designing or analyzing real-world optical phenomena. This investigation reveals the significant influence of parameters λ, τ, c, B, and Κ on the precise solutions in Kerr and power law nonlinearities within the BME. Notably, parameter λ exhibits consistently high sensitivity across all scenarios, while parameters τ and c demonstrate pronounced sensitivity in scenario III. The outcomes derived from this method are distinctive and carry significant implications for the dynamics of optical fibers and wave phenomena across various optical systems.

New Physical Meaning and Principle of Determining the Speed of Light Constant

The work applies to all areas of physics where the speed constant is used - the speed of light in a vacuum c, in particular - to quantum physics, solid state physics, optical physics, physics of electromagnetic fields and waves and provides for clarification of the true physical meaning of this fundamental physical constant. At this time, it is defined as the path length of the light flux per unit time, which in SI is 1 s. The work shows the main methods for determining the speed of light and increasing its accuracy in their historical development to the modern level. At the same time, the shortcomings of the modern interpretation and measurement of the speed of light, which depend on the influence of the external environment, are indicated. This detracts from the level of c as a constant compared to other fundamental physical constants. Elimination of this shortcoming and a new interpretation of the speed of light c, and the principle of its determination as a fundamental physical constant, is the main goal of the work being performed. Its scientific novelty is the substantiation of a new interpretation and principle for determining the speed of light c on the basis of strict and reliable physical laws of the material world. Research methods: The work performed has the level of scientific discovery, for the creation of which there are still no strict methods. Therefore, it used general methods and principles of scientific research – deduction and induction, based on the application of the laws of dialectics, reliable laws of physics and general ways of developing the theory of knowledge. The author’s method of transition to the initial level of the material world, justified, was also used. New results of work and their discussion: The necessity of the action of the speed of light constant at all levels of the material world is shown and their features are substantiated. The preference for its definition as the ratio of the wavelengths of physical fields and radiation to their period is shown. In this case, an absolutely exact ratio can be obtained at the quantum level of the material world, since quanta are immutable quantities. The implementation of this principle is possible at the 4th (atomic) level of the material world, since such devices for determining length and time have already been created and are highly accurate. But this possibility is true for all 12 levels of the material world. This allows us to formulate and define a new true physical meaning of the speed of light - as the ratio of the wavelengths of the physical fields associated with any objects and the period of their radiation, in particular the electromagnetic field. Conclusions: The new definition of the true physical speed of light excludes the influence of the environment under normal measurement conditions. It is necessary to distinguish in terminology and use the true speed of light c and the speed of light fluxes, which should also be taken into account in the partial and general theories of relativity

The solitary solutions for the stochastic fractional Chen Lee Liu model perturbed by multiplicative noise in optical fibers and plasma physics

In this paper, we consider the stochastic fractional Chen Lee Liu model (SFCLLM). We apply the mapping method in order to get hyperbolic, elliptic, rational and trigonometric stochastic fractional solutions. These solutions are important for understanding some fundamentally complicated phenomena. The acquired solutions will be very helpful for applications such as fiber optics and plasma physics. Finally, we show how the conformable derivative order and stochastic term affect the exact solution of the SFCLLM.

Essay: Quantum Sensing with Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Platforms for Fundamental Physics.

Atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics has been at the forefront of the development of quantum science while laying the foundation for modern technology. With the growing capabilities of quantum control of many atoms for engineered many-body states and quantum entanglement, a key question emerges: what critical impact will the second quantum revolution with ubiquitous applications of entanglement bring to bear on fundamental physics? In this Essay, we argue that a compelling long-term vision for fundamental physics and novel applications is to harness the rapid development of quantum information science to define and advance the frontiers of measurement physics, with strong potential for fundamental discoveries. As quantum technologies, such as fault-tolerant quantum computing and entangled quantum sensor networks, become much more advanced than today's realization, we wonder what doors of basic science can these tools unlock. We anticipate that some of the most intriguing and challenging problems, such as quantum aspects of gravity, fundamental symmetries, or new physics beyond the minimal standard model, will be tackled at the emerging quantum measurement frontier. Part of a series of Essays which concisely present author visions for the future of their field.