Transfer Of Orbital Angular Momentum Research Articles

Discrimination of Chiral and Helical Contributions to Raman Scattering of Liquid Crystals Using Vortex Beams.

We use vortex photon fields with orbital and spin angular momentum to probe chiral fluctuations within liquid crystals. In the regime of iridescence with a well-defined pitch length of chirality, we find low energy Raman scattering that can be decomposed into helical and chiral components depending on the scattering vector and the topological charge of the incident photon field. Based on the observation of an anomalous dispersion we attribute quasielastic scattering to a transfer of angular momenta to rotonlike quasiparticles. The latter are due to a competition of short-range repulsive and long-range dipolar interactions. Our approach using a transfer of orbital angular momentum opens up an avenue for the advanced characterization of chiral and optically active devices and materials.

Elastic orbital angular momentum transfer from an elastic pipe to a fluid

Research into the orbital angular momentum carried by helical wave-fronts has been dominated by the fields of electromagnetism and acoustics, owing to its practical utility in sensing, communication, and tweezing. Despite the huge research effort across the wave community, only recently has elastic orbital angular momentum been theoretically shown to exhibit similar properties. Here we experimentally observe the transfer of elastic orbital angular momentum from a hollow elastic pipe to a fluid in which the pipe is partially submerged, in an elastic analogue of Durnin’s slit-ring experiment for optical beams. This transfer is achieved by coupling the dilatational component of guided flexural waves in the pipe with the pressure field in the fluid; the circumferential distribution of the normal stress in the pipe acts as a continuous phased pressure source in the fluid resulting in the generation of Bessel-like acoustic beams. This demonstration has implications for future research into a new regime of orbital angular momentum for elastic waves, as well providing an alternative method to excite acoustic beams that carry orbital angular momentum that could create a paradigm shift for acoustic tweezing.

Ultrafast beam pattern modulation by superposition of chirped optical vortex pulses

As an extension of pulse shaping techniques using the space–time coupling of ultrashort pulses or chirped pulses, we demonstrated the ultrafast beam pattern modulation by the superposition of chirped optical vortex pulses with orthogonal spatial modes. The stable and robust modulations with a modulation frequency of sub-THz were carried out by using the precise phase control technique of the constituent pulses in both the spatial and time/frequency domains. The performed modulations were ultrafast ring-shaped optical lattice modulation with 2, 4 and 6 petals, and beam pattern modulations in the radial direction. The simple linear fringe modulation was also demonstrated with chirped spatially Gaussian pulses. While the input pulse energy of the pulses to be modulated was 360 upmu J, the output pulse energy of the modulated pulses was 115 upmu J with the conversion efficiency of sim 32%. Demonstrating the superposition of orthogonal spatial modes in several ways, this ultrafast beam pattern modulation technique with high intensity can be applicable to the spatially coherent excitation of quasi-particles or collective excitation of charge and spin with dynamic degrees of freedom. Furthermore, we analyzed the Poynting vector and OAM of the composed chirped OV pulses. Although the ring-shaped optical lattice composed of OV pulse with topological charges of pm , ell is rotated in a sub-THz frequency, the net orbital angular momentum (OAM) averaged over one optical period is found to be negligible. Hence, it is necessary to require careful attention to the application of the OAM transfer interaction with matter by employing such rotating ring-shaped optical lattices.

Transfer of Orbital Angular Momentum to Freely Levitated High-Density Objects in Airborne Acoustic Vortices

Vortex-field acoustic levitation is an application of acoustic vortices that allows the manipulation of a wide range of materials in various media. However, to date, its levitation capability in air is limited to relatively low-density objects. Here, by optimizing an array-tube setup, we levitate iridium ($22.56\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$) in a first-order acoustic vortex in air. This technique makes it possible to observe the orbital angular momentum transfer carried by acoustic vortices to freely levitated high-density objects, of which the highest rotation speed reaches up to 6500 revolutions per second and increases with a decrease in the object size and an increase in the source amplitude. It is revealed that the thermal-viscous boundary layer dissipation is the dominant effect and leads directly to the rapid rotation of high-density objects. This work can expand the application scope of acoustic vortices, especially in the fields of containerless processing of various materials and rapid rotation of objects, and help to understand the mechanisms of orbital angular momentum transfer to matter.

Superradiant transfer of quantized orbital angular momentum between light and atoms in a ring trap

The authors present a non-trivial quantum regime based on superradiant transfer of discrete orbital angular momentum between light and ultracold atoms trapped in a ring. Tuning the ring and pump light parameters, specific angular momentum states can be efficiently populated and light with orbital angular momentum different from that of the pump can be generated.

Spatially dependent optical bistability

The effect of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light beams on the optical bistability (OB) phenomenon has been investigated in a three-level quantum system. In a first step, we consider a Λ -type configuration in which the coupling field is assumed as a Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beam. It is shown that the OB strength spatially depends on the intensity profile as well as the topological charge (TC) of the light beam. In a second scheme, we apply a strong microwave field to the lower level transition and obtain an analytical expression for the OB behavior of the probe field in the presence of an LG field in the multi-photon resonance condition. We analytically obtain a generalized input–output bistability relation for the systems containing the LG beam. More complicated phase-dependent OB profiles can be obtained for higher order LG modes due to the OAM transfer and classical interference between the generated field and applied fields. The results of this paper may provide a potential application of OB in generating simultaneously reconfigurable sets of various optical logic gates in the same structure, as well as in enhancing the capacity of fast volatile bit-level optical memories.

Multifunctional acoustic holography based on compact acoustic geometric-phase meta-array

Optical geometric-phase metasurfaces provide a robust and efficient means for light wave control by simply manipulating the spatial orientations of the in-plane anisotropic meta-atoms, where polarization conversion plays a vital role. However, the concept of acoustic geometric-phase modulation for acoustic field control remains unexplored because airborne acoustic waves lack a similar optical polarization conversion process. In this work, a new type of acoustic meta-atom with deep-subwavelength feature size is theoretically investigated and further applied to acoustic field engineering based on the emerged concept of acoustic geometric phase. Herein, tunable acoustic geometric-phase modulation of designated order is obtained via the near-field coupled orbital angular momentum transfer process, and the topological charge-multiplexed acoustic geometric phase endows our meta-arrays with multiple functionalities. Our work extends the capacity of the acoustic geometric-phase meta-arrays in high-quality acoustic field reconstruction and offers new possibilities in multifunctional acoustic meta-holograms.

Triple-vortex bremsstrahlung

Particles in vortex states have gained arising interests due to the additional degree of freedom—the orbital angular momentum (OAM) inherently existing in the state. With the increasing energy of vortex particles (photons, leptons etc), the research has gradually transitioned from the classical field regime to collisions of vortex particles in the quantum-field regime. The latter provides a new way to study the rich properties of particle physics. Here, we show the characteristics of vortex states in bremsstrahlung by deriving the corresponding scattering probability following the quantum-electrodynamics theory. The theory allows us to obtain the OAM distribution of the outgoing vortex photon and the law of OAM transfer during interaction. It is shown that the generated photon takes most of the initial electron OAM, especially when the latter is more energetic. The opening angle of outgoing particles in vortex bremsstrahlung is also significantly different from plane wave scattering. The effects of polarization and non-zero impact parameter are also discussed. The results illustrate the unique feature of vortex scattering and suggest a feasible way to generate high-energy vortex photons—a novel source in studying nuclear physics.

Superradiant atomic recoil lasing with orbital-angular-momentum light

We analyze the collective light scattering by cold atoms in free space of a pump-laser beam possessing orbital angular momentum. We derive a set of coupled multiparticle equations for the atomic motion in which the vacuum-mode field is adiabatically eliminated. The resulting equations describe collective recoil as due to either transfer of linear momentum or orbital angular momentum. For a transverse annular atomic distribution the initial equilibrium with uniform atomic phases and no scattered field is unstable. The atoms are set in rotation and bunched in phase at different harmonics depending on the pump azimuthal index $\ensuremath{\ell}$ and on the ring radius.

Experimental demonstration of optical trapping and manipulation with multifunctional metasurface.

Chip-scale optical tweezers, which are usually implemented in a planar format without using bulky diffractive optical elements, are recognized as a promising candidate to be integrated with a lab-on-a-chip system. However, traditional chip-scale optical tweezers are often static and allow for only one type of manipulation functionality since the geometrical parameters of the tweezers are fixed. Herein, we introduce a new, to the best of our knowledge, class of on-chip optical tweezers for diverse types of manipulation of micro-particles. Utilizing both the propagation phase and Pancharatnam-Berry phase, we experimentally demonstrate the spin-dependent trapping, moving, and circling of micro-particles with the transfer of optical gradient force and orbital angular momentum to particles. We further show that the spin angular momentum of the output beam provides an additional degree of freedom to control the spinning rotation of particles. This new type of optical tweezers paves the way for multifunctional and dynamical trapping and manipulation of particles with a lab-on-a-chip system.

Elastic Orbital Angular Momentum.

We identify that flexural guided elastic waves in elastic pipes carry a well-defined orbital angular momentum associated with the compressional dilatational potential. This enables the transfer of elastic orbital angular momentum, that we numerically demonstrate, through the coupling of the compressional potential in a pipe to the acoustic pressure field in a surrounding fluid in contact with the pipe.

Mode Conversion and Transfer of Orbital Angular Momentum Between Hermite-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian Beams

The cross phase (CP) opens up a new horizon for the generation and measurement of vortex beams, and the conversion between Hermite-Gaussian (HG) and Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes can be done with a CP. However, the conversion plane is in the far plane, and the width cannot be adjusted. In this article, we present a more convenient and practical mode converter between HG and LG modes based on CP combined with a lens. The feasibility of the converter for the conversion between two modes is theoretically analyzed. The conversion can be accomplished in the determined plane and the width of converted beam can be controlled by adjusting the parameter of converter. Proof-of-concept experiment is carried out to verify theoretical analysis and the experimental results are agree well with theoretical simulations. The transfer of orbital angular momentum (OAM) between two modes after passing through the converter is also analyzed. From the perspective of OAM conservation, the required parameter conditions for the converter are discussed. In principle, such a converter as proposed here might even be applied to microwave, millimeter wave, and terahertz OAM fields.

Nonreciprocal exciton-polariton ring lattices

Recent experiments have shown the transfer of orbital angular momentum (OAM) from a non-resonant laser onto an exciton-polariton condensate, despite earlier views that the phase information of such a laser should be lost during the process of polariton condensation. We study with a phenomenological theory the interplay of a usual angular momentum independent gain and an angular momentum preserving gain. We find that even when the latter is much smaller, it is enough to favour condensation into a given orbital angular momentum state. This further allows a breaking of symmetry in the system, which further manifests in non-reciprocal one-way propagation in a lattice of coupled rings. Even though we consider only Hermitian reciprocal coupling between rings, the local non-Hermiticity generates an effective non-reciprocal coupling and supports a non-Hermitian topological invariant (winding number) associated to a non-Hermitian skin effect.

Spin to orbital angular momentum transfer in frequency up-conversion

Abstract We demonstrate the spin to orbital angular momentum transfer in frequency upconversion with structured light beams. A vector vortex is coupled to a circularly polarized Gaussian beam in noncollinear second harmonic generation under type-II phase match. The second harmonic beam inherits the Hermite–Gaussian components of the vector vortex; however, the relative phase between them is determined by the polarization state of the Gaussian beam. This effect creates an interesting crosstalk between spin and orbital degrees of freedom, allowing the angular momentum transfer between them. Our experimental results match the theoretical predictions for the nonlinear optical response.

Orbital angular momentum and current-induced motion of a topologically textured domain wall in a ferromagnetic nanotube

We theoretically study the current-induced dynamics of a domain wall in a ferromagnetic nanotube by developing a theory for the orbital angular momentum of a domain wall and the current-induced torque on it. Specifically, a domain wall with nontrivial magnetization winding along the circumference is shown to possess finite orbital angular momentum, which is proportional to the product of its Skyrmion charge and position, and the current is shown to exert a torque changing the orbital angular momentum of the domain wall and thereby drives it. The current-induced torque is interpreted as the transfer of orbital angular momentum from electrons to the domain wall, which occurs due to the emergent magnetic field associated with the Skyrmion charge. Our results reveal a hitherto unrecognized utility of the orbital degree of freedom of magnetic solitons.

Optical spanner for nanoparticle rotation with focused optical vortex generated through a Pancharatnam-Berry phase metalens.

Based on the focused optical vortex (OV) generated by a metalens, we studied the physical mechanism for optical manipulation of metal (Ag) nanoparticles in the orbital angular momentum (OAM) field. We found that metal nanoparticles can be stably trapped inside the OV ring and rotated by the azimuthal driving force originating from OAM transfer. The azimuthal force and rotation speed are directly and inversely proportional to the particle size, respectively. The torque for the same particle at the OV ring increases with the increase of the topological charge of the metalens. Considering the same topological charge, the radius of the OV ring or the range of the optical spanner has a positive correlation with the focal length. These kinds of optical tweezers by vortex metalenses can be used as an optical spanner or micro-rotor for lab-on-chip applications.

Optical vortex dichroism in chiral particles

Circular dichroism is the differential rate of absorption of right- and left-handed circularly polarized light by chiral particles. Optical vortices which convey orbital angular momentum (OAM) possess a chirality associated with the clockwise or anti-clockwise twisting of their wavefront. Here it is highlighted that both oriented and randomly oriented chiral particles absorb photons from twisted beams at different rates depending on whether the vortex twists to the right or the left through a dipole coupling scheme. This is in contrast to previous studies that investigated dipole couplings with vortex modes in the paraxial approximation and showed no such chiral sensitivity to the vortex handedness: only in oriented media where electric quadrupole coupling contributes to optical activity effects due to absorption does such a mechanism exist for paraxial vortices. The distinct difference in the scheme highlighted in this work is that longitudinal fields are taken account of and these allow for OAM transfer even during dipole interactions. Due to the vortex dichroism persisting in randomly oriented collections of chiral particles, the mechanism has a distinct advantage in its potential applicability in chemical and biochemical applications where the systems under study are invariably in the liquid phase. Additionally, the result is put into context in terms of the quantifiable optical chirality, highlighting that optical OAM can in fact increase the optical chirality density of an electromagnetic field.

Optical grinder: sorting of trapped particles by orbital angular momentum.

We customize a transversely structured, tunable light landscape on the basis of orbital angular momentum (OAM)-carrying beams for the purpose of advanced optical manipulation. Combining Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes with helical phase fronts of opposite OAM handedness, counter-rotating transfer of OAM is enabled in a concentric intensity structure, creating a dynamic "grinding" scenario on dielectric microparticles. We demonstrate the ability to trap and rotate silica spheres of various sizes and exploit the light fields' feature to spatially separate trapped objects by their size. We show the adaptability of the light field depending on the chosen LG mode indices, allowing on-demand tuning of the trapping potential and sorting criteria. The versatility of our approach for biomedical application is examined by spatial discriminating yeast cells and silica spheres of distinct diameter.

Swapping of orbital angular momentum states of light in a quantum well waveguide

We study the effect of orbital angular momentum transfer between optical fields in a semiconductor quantum well waveguide with four energy levels in a closed-loop configuration via four-wave mixing. The waveguide is driven by two strong control fields and two weak probe fields. We consider three different cases for the light-matter interaction in order to efficiently exchange optical vortices. In the first two cases, the system is initially prepared in either a lower electromagnetically induced transparency or a coherent population trapping state, while the last case prepares the system in an upper state, enabling to induce the electron spin coherence. We find that for appropriate parameters and via the spin coherence effect, the efficiency of four-wave mixing is much higher in the quantum well waveguide. Working in the electron spin coherence regime, we then study the light-matter interaction under the situation where only one of the control fields has an optical vortex. The orbital angular momentum of the vortex control beam can be efficiently transferred to a generated probe field via the spin coherence. We also show that the spatially dependent optical effects of the waveguide can be strongly modified by the electron spin coherence.

Selection rules for the orbital angular momentum of optically produced THz radiation.

In this work, we theoretically study the transduction of orbital angular momentum (OAM) l for infrared pump lasers into the THz domain. In the case of optical rectification, the transduction of OAM occurs only through a spin-orbit interaction, with the selection rule on the OAM l=0 valid for any kind of polarization of the pump, which means that there is no transfer of OAM along the propagation axis. In difference frequency generation, the selection rule for the difference Δl between the OAM of the pump fields with linear or circular polarization is l=Δl, whereas l ranges from Δl-2 to Δl+2 in cases of both radial and azimuthal polarization. Moreover, for THz generation in the latter case, the high diffraction obtained with tightly focused pumps yields l tending to Δl±2, while l tends to zero in the opposite case of large pump beams.