Work

Abruptly autofocusing and autodefocusing optical beams with arbitrary caustics

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: We propose a simple yet efficient method for generating abruptly autofocusing optical beams with arbitrary caustics. In addition, we introduce a family of abruptly autodefocusing beams whose maximum intensity suddenly decreases by orders of magnitude right after the target. The method relies on appropriately modulating the phase of a circularly symmetric optical wavefront, such as that of a Gaussian, and subsequently on Fourier-transforming it by means of a lens. If two such beams are superimposed in a Bessel-like standing wave pattern, then a complete mirror-symmetric, with respect to the focal plane, caustic surface of revolution is formed that can be used as an optical bottle. We also show how the same method can be used to produce accelerating 1D or 2D optical beams with arbitrary convex caustics.

Source: Physical Review A

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.85.023828

Authors: Ioannis D. Chremmos, Zhigang Chen, Demetrios N. Christodoulides, Nikolaos K. Efremidis

Institutions: University of Crete, San Francisco State University, University of Central Florida

Language: English

Topic: Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Science Foundation

OpenAlex ID: W2319580207

FWCI: 4.138

Cites: 9

Cited by: 139

Related to: 10