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Physical Optics|76 Article(s)
Observation of tiny polarization rotation rate in total internal reflection via weak measurements
Chengquan Mi, Shizhen Chen, Xinxing Zhou, Kai Tian, Hailu Luo, and Shuangchun Wen
In this paper, we examine the tiny polarization rotation effect in total internal reflection due to the spin–orbit interaction of light. We find that the tiny polarization rotation rate will induce a geometric phase gradient, which can be regarded as the physical origin of photonic spin Hall effect. We demonstrate that the spin-dependent splitting in position space is related to the polarization rotation in momentum space, while the spin-dependent splitting in momentum space is attributed to the polarization rotation in position space. Furthermore, we introduce a quantum weak measurement to determine the tiny polarization rotation rate. The rotation rate in momentum space is obtained with 118 nm, which manifests itself as a spatial shift, and the rotation rate in position space is achieved with 38 μrad/λ, which manifests itself as an angular shift. The investigation of the polarization rotation characteristics will provide insights into the photonic spin Hall effect and will enable us to better understand the spin–orbit interaction of light. In this paper, we examine the tiny polarization rotation effect in total internal reflection due to the spin–orbit interaction of light. We find that the tiny polarization rotation rate will induce a geometric phase gradient, which can be regarded as the physical origin of photonic spin Hall effect. We demonstrate that the spin-dependent splitting in position space is related to the polarization rotation in momentum space, while the spin-dependent splitting in momentum space is attributed to the polarization rotation in position space. Furthermore, we introduce a quantum weak measurement to determine the tiny polarization rotation rate. The rotation rate in momentum space is obtained with 118 nm, which manifests itself as a spatial shift, and the rotation rate in position space is achieved with 38 μrad/λ, which manifests itself as an angular shift. The investigation of the polarization rotation characteristics will provide insights into the photonic spin Hall effect and will enable us to better understand the spin–orbit interaction of light.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Feb. 28, 2017
- Vol. 5, Issue 2, 02000092 (2017)
Measurement of the degree of temporal coherence of unpolarized light beams
Lasse-Petteri Leppänen, Kimmo Saastamoinen, Ari T. Friberg, and Tero Setälä
We measure the electromagnetic degree of temporal coherence and the associated coherence time for quasi-monochromatic unpolarized light beams emitted by an LED, a filtered halogen lamp, and a multimode He–Ne laser. The method is based on observing at the output of a Michelson interferometer the visibilities (contrasts) of the intensity and polarization-state modulations expressed in terms of the Stokes parameters. The results are in good agreement with those deduced directly from the source spectra. The measurements are repeated after passing the beams through a linear polarizer so as to elucidate the role of polarization in electromagnetic coherence. While the polarizer varies the equal-time degree of coherence consistently with the theoretical predictions and alters the inner structure of the coherence matrix, the coherence time remains almost unchanged when the light varies from unpolarized to polarized. The results are important in the areas of applications dealing with physical optics and electromagnetic interference. We measure the electromagnetic degree of temporal coherence and the associated coherence time for quasi-monochromatic unpolarized light beams emitted by an LED, a filtered halogen lamp, and a multimode He–Ne laser. The method is based on observing at the output of a Michelson interferometer the visibilities (contrasts) of the intensity and polarization-state modulations expressed in terms of the Stokes parameters. The results are in good agreement with those deduced directly from the source spectra. The measurements are repeated after passing the beams through a linear polarizer so as to elucidate the role of polarization in electromagnetic coherence. While the polarizer varies the equal-time degree of coherence consistently with the theoretical predictions and alters the inner structure of the coherence matrix, the coherence time remains almost unchanged when the light varies from unpolarized to polarized. The results are important in the areas of applications dealing with physical optics and electromagnetic interference.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Apr. 10, 2017
- Vol. 5, Issue 3, 03000156 (2017)
Polarization oscillating beams constructed by copropagating optical frozen waves
Peng Li, Dongjing Wu, Yi Zhang, Sheng Liu, Yu Li, Shuxia Qi, and Jianlin Zhao
Polarization oscillating beams, namely, polarization standing waves, commonly formed by a pair of coherent counterpropagating light waves with orthogonal polarizations, oscillate their states of polarization periodically within a wavelength interval, offering conceptual and practical interests in light-matter interactions such as the nonreciprocal magnetoelectric effect, and impressive applications in optical imaging, sensing, and chirality detection. Here, we propose a new class of polarization oscillating beams that longitudinally vary states of polarization with spatial intervals within centimeters via the superposition of two copropagating optical frozen waves with preshaped longitudinal intensity profiles and transverse phase structures. The flexibility and manipulability are demonstrated by creating several polarization oscillating beams with different polarization structures. This work paves a new way to manipulate other waves and may be useful for applications of optical standing waves in optical manipulation, light guiding of atoms, polarization-sensitive sensing, etc. Polarization oscillating beams, namely, polarization standing waves, commonly formed by a pair of coherent counterpropagating light waves with orthogonal polarizations, oscillate their states of polarization periodically within a wavelength interval, offering conceptual and practical interests in light-matter interactions such as the nonreciprocal magnetoelectric effect, and impressive applications in optical imaging, sensing, and chirality detection. Here, we propose a new class of polarization oscillating beams that longitudinally vary states of polarization with spatial intervals within centimeters via the superposition of two copropagating optical frozen waves with preshaped longitudinal intensity profiles and transverse phase structures. The flexibility and manipulability are demonstrated by creating several polarization oscillating beams with different polarization structures. This work paves a new way to manipulate other waves and may be useful for applications of optical standing waves in optical manipulation, light guiding of atoms, polarization-sensitive sensing, etc.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Jun. 27, 2018
- Vol. 6, Issue 7, 07000756 (2018)
High efficiency generation of tunable ellipse perfect vector beams|On the Cover
Lin Li, Chenliang Chang, Caojin Yuan, Shaotong Feng, Shouping Nie, Zhi-Cheng Ren, Hui-Tian Wang, and Jianping Ding
We present a highly efficient method of generating and shaping ellipse perfect vector beams (EPVBs) with a prescribed ellipse intensity profile and continuously variant linear polarization state. The scheme is based on the coaxial superposition of two orthogonally polarized ellipse laser beams of controllable phase vortex serving as the base vector components. The phase-only computer-generated hologram is specifically designed by means of a modified iteration algorithm involving a complex amplitude constraint, which is able to generate an EPVB with high diffraction efficiency in the vector optical field generator. We experimentally demonstrate that the efficiency of generating the EPVB has a notable improvement from 1.83% in the conventional complex amplitude modulation based technique to 11.1% in our method. We also discuss and demonstrate the simultaneous shaping of multiple EPVBs with independent tunable ellipticity and polarization vortex in both transversal (2D) and axial (3D) focusing structures, proving potentials in a variety of polarization-mediated applications such as trapping and transportation of particles in more complex geometric circumstances. We present a highly efficient method of generating and shaping ellipse perfect vector beams (EPVBs) with a prescribed ellipse intensity profile and continuously variant linear polarization state. The scheme is based on the coaxial superposition of two orthogonally polarized ellipse laser beams of controllable phase vortex serving as the base vector components. The phase-only computer-generated hologram is specifically designed by means of a modified iteration algorithm involving a complex amplitude constraint, which is able to generate an EPVB with high diffraction efficiency in the vector optical field generator. We experimentally demonstrate that the efficiency of generating the EPVB has a notable improvement from 1.83% in the conventional complex amplitude modulation based technique to 11.1% in our method. We also discuss and demonstrate the simultaneous shaping of multiple EPVBs with independent tunable ellipticity and polarization vortex in both transversal (2D) and axial (3D) focusing structures, proving potentials in a variety of polarization-mediated applications such as trapping and transportation of particles in more complex geometric circumstances.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Nov. 19, 2018
- Vol. 6, Issue 12, 12001116 (2018)
Redistributing the energy flow of tightly focused ellipticity-variant vector optical fields
Xu-Zhen Gao, Yue Pan, Guan-Lin Zhang, Meng-Dan Zhao, Zhi-Cheng Ren, Chen-Ghou Tu, Yong-Nan Li, and Hui-Tian Wang
The redistribution of the energy flow of tightly focused ellipticity-variant vector optical fields is presented. We theoretically design and experimentally generate this kind of ellipticity-variant vector optical field, and further explore the redistribution of the energy flow in the focal plane by designing different phase masks including fanlike phase masks and vortex phase masks on them. The flexibly controlled transverse energy flow rings of the tightly focused ellipticity-variant vector optical fields with and without phase masks can be used to transport multiple absorptive particles along certain paths, which may be widely applied in optical trapping and manipulation. The redistribution of the energy flow of tightly focused ellipticity-variant vector optical fields is presented. We theoretically design and experimentally generate this kind of ellipticity-variant vector optical field, and further explore the redistribution of the energy flow in the focal plane by designing different phase masks including fanlike phase masks and vortex phase masks on them. The flexibly controlled transverse energy flow rings of the tightly focused ellipticity-variant vector optical fields with and without phase masks can be used to transport multiple absorptive particles along certain paths, which may be widely applied in optical trapping and manipulation.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Sep. 29, 2017
- Vol. 5, Issue 6, 06000640 (2017)
Extraordinary characteristics for one-dimensional parity-time-symmetric periodic ring optical waveguide networks
Yan Zhi, Xiangbo Yang, Jiaye Wu, Shiping Du, Peichao Cao, Dongmei Deng, and Chengyi Timon Liu
In this paper, we design a one-dimensional (1D) parity-time-symmetric periodic ring optical waveguide network (PTSPROWN) and investigate its extraordinary optical characteristics. It is found that quite different from traditional vacuum/dielectric optical waveguide networks, 1D PTSPROWN cannot produce a photonic ordinary propagation mode, but can generate simultaneously two kinds of photonic nonpropagation modes: attenuation propagation mode and gain propagation mode. It creates neither passband nor stopband and possesses no photonic band structure. This makes 1D PTSPROWN possess richer spontaneous PT-symmetric breaking points and causes interesting extremum spontaneous PT-symmetric breaking points to appear, where electromagnetic waves can create ultrastrong extraordinary transmission, reflection, and localization, and the maximum can arrive at 6.6556×1012 and is more than 7 orders of magnitude larger than the results reported previously. 1D PTSPROWN may possess potential in designing high-efficiency optical energy saver devices, optical amplifiers, optical switches with ultrahigh monochromaticity, and so on. In this paper, we design a one-dimensional (1D) parity-time-symmetric periodic ring optical waveguide network (PTSPROWN) and investigate its extraordinary optical characteristics. It is found that quite different from traditional vacuum/dielectric optical waveguide networks, 1D PTSPROWN cannot produce a photonic ordinary propagation mode, but can generate simultaneously two kinds of photonic nonpropagation modes: attenuation propagation mode and gain propagation mode. It creates neither passband nor stopband and possesses no photonic band structure. This makes 1D PTSPROWN possess richer spontaneous PT-symmetric breaking points and causes interesting extremum spontaneous PT-symmetric breaking points to appear, where electromagnetic waves can create ultrastrong extraordinary transmission, reflection, and localization, and the maximum can arrive at 6.6556×1012 and is more than 7 orders of magnitude larger than the results reported previously. 1D PTSPROWN may possess potential in designing high-efficiency optical energy saver devices, optical amplifiers, optical switches with ultrahigh monochromaticity, and so on.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: May. 23, 2018
- Vol. 6, Issue 6, 06000579 (2018)
Hybridization of different types of exceptional points
Jinhyeok Ryu, Sunjae Gwak, Jaewon Kim, Hyeon-Hye Yu, Ji-Hwan Kim, Ji-Won Lee, Chang-Hwan Yi, and Chil-Min Kim
A large number of different types of second-order non-Hermitian degeneracies called exceptional points (EPs) were found in various physical systems depending on the mechanism of coupling between eigenstates. We show that these EPs can be hybridized to form higher-order EPs, which preserve the original properties of the initial EPs before hybridization. For a demonstration, we hybridize chiral and supermode second-order EPs, where the former and the latter are the results of intra-disk and inter-disk mode coupling in an optical system comprised of two Mie-scale microdisks and one Rayleigh-scale scatterer. The high sensitivity of the resulting third-order EP against external perturbations in our feasible system is emphasized. A large number of different types of second-order non-Hermitian degeneracies called exceptional points (EPs) were found in various physical systems depending on the mechanism of coupling between eigenstates. We show that these EPs can be hybridized to form higher-order EPs, which preserve the original properties of the initial EPs before hybridization. For a demonstration, we hybridize chiral and supermode second-order EPs, where the former and the latter are the results of intra-disk and inter-disk mode coupling in an optical system comprised of two Mie-scale microdisks and one Rayleigh-scale scatterer. The high sensitivity of the resulting third-order EP against external perturbations in our feasible system is emphasized.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Nov. 27, 2019
- Vol. 7, Issue 12, 12001473 (2019)
Generation of coherence vortex by modulating the correlation structure of random lights
Min-Jie Liu, Jun Chen, Yang Zhang, Yan Shi, Chun-Liu Zhao, and Shang-Zhong Jin
A coherence vortex (CV) carrying topological-charge information in its correlation dimension is a new option for optical manipulation and communication. CV generation by directly modulating the correlation function enables a way to control the light field in this dimension. However, few experimental realizations on this issue have been reported because of the difficulty in phase modulation when the light arrays are of low coherence. In this paper, we propose a method for generating a CV by utilizing partially coherent light arrays. A proper design of random arrays at the input plane leads to a complex CV field at the output plane after free-space propagation. This generation mechanism works well for beamlets of low coherence. A coherence vortex (CV) carrying topological-charge information in its correlation dimension is a new option for optical manipulation and communication. CV generation by directly modulating the correlation function enables a way to control the light field in this dimension. However, few experimental realizations on this issue have been reported because of the difficulty in phase modulation when the light arrays are of low coherence. In this paper, we propose a method for generating a CV by utilizing partially coherent light arrays. A proper design of random arrays at the input plane leads to a complex CV field at the output plane after free-space propagation. This generation mechanism works well for beamlets of low coherence.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Nov. 27, 2019
- Vol. 7, Issue 12, 12001485 (2019)
Optimized weak measurement of orbital angular momentum-induced beam shifts in optical reflection
Wenjin Long, Jintao Pan, Xinyi Guo, Xiaohe Liu, Haolin Lin, Huadan Zheng, Jianhui Yu, Heyuan Guan, Huihui Lu, Yongchun Zhong, Shenhe Fu, Li Zhang, Wenguo Zhu, and Zhe Chen
Tiny but universal beam shifts occur when a polarized light beam is reflected upon a planar interface. Although the beam shifts of Gaussian beams have been measured by the weak measurement technique, the weak measurement for orbital angular momentum (OAM)-induced spatial shifts of vortex beams is still missing. Here, by elaborately choosing the preselection and postselection states, the tiny OAM-induced Goos–H nchen and Imbert–Fedorov shifts are amplified at an air–prism interface. The maximum shifts along directions both parallel and perpendicular to the incident plane are theoretically predicted and experimentally verified with optimal preselection and postselection states. These maximum shifts can be used to determine the OAM of vortex beams. Tiny but universal beam shifts occur when a polarized light beam is reflected upon a planar interface. Although the beam shifts of Gaussian beams have been measured by the weak measurement technique, the weak measurement for orbital angular momentum (OAM)-induced spatial shifts of vortex beams is still missing. Here, by elaborately choosing the preselection and postselection states, the tiny OAM-induced Goos–H nchen and Imbert–Fedorov shifts are amplified at an air–prism interface. The maximum shifts along directions both parallel and perpendicular to the incident plane are theoretically predicted and experimentally verified with optimal preselection and postselection states. These maximum shifts can be used to determine the OAM of vortex beams.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Oct. 30, 2019
- Vol. 7, Issue 11, 11001273 (2019)
Flat gain over arbitrary orbital angular momentum modes in Brillouin amplification
Hongwei Li, Bo Zhao, Liwei Jin, Dongmei Wang, and Wei Gao
Controlled obtaining of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes of light at high power over arbitrary orders has important implications for future classical and quantum systems. Appreciable optical amplification has recently been observed for low-order or specific-order OAM modes. However, large amplification of high-order OAM modes still remains challenging. Here we report on flat-gain amplification of arbitrary OAM modes via Brillouin interactions and demonstrate that the OAM modes with various orders can be efficiently and relatively uniformly amplified by imaging the wave source of OAM mode propagation in a nonlinear medium. Meanwhile, the propagation properties of beams carrying OAM with arbitrary modes are high-fidelity maintained. This work provides a practicable way to flatten the mode gain and represents a crucial necessity to realize OAM mode filters with controllable mode gain bandwidth. Controlled obtaining of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes of light at high power over arbitrary orders has important implications for future classical and quantum systems. Appreciable optical amplification has recently been observed for low-order or specific-order OAM modes. However, large amplification of high-order OAM modes still remains challenging. Here we report on flat-gain amplification of arbitrary OAM modes via Brillouin interactions and demonstrate that the OAM modes with various orders can be efficiently and relatively uniformly amplified by imaging the wave source of OAM mode propagation in a nonlinear medium. Meanwhile, the propagation properties of beams carrying OAM with arbitrary modes are high-fidelity maintained. This work provides a practicable way to flatten the mode gain and represents a crucial necessity to realize OAM mode filters with controllable mode gain bandwidth.
Photonics Research
- Publication Date: Jun. 11, 2019
- Vol. 7, Issue 7, 07000748 (2019)
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