Quantum inspired 3D pendulum beams
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The technologies used in the manipulation of light can be used to do analogue simulations of physical systems with wave-like equations of motion. This analogy is maximized by the use of all the degrees of freedom of light. The Helmholtz equation in physical optics and the Schödinger equation in quantum mechanics share the same mathematical form. We use this connection to prepare non-diffracting optical beams representing the spatial and temporal dynamics of a nonlinear physical system: the quantum pendulum. By using the propagation coordinate to represent time in the quantum problem, we are able to analogue-simulate quantum wavepacket dynamics. These manifest themselves in novel optical beams with rich three-dimensional structures, such as rotation and sloshing of the light’s intensity as it propagates. Our experimental results agree very well with the predictions from quantum theory, thus demonstrating that our system can be used as a platform to simulate the quantum pendulum dynamics. This three-dimensional light-sculpting capability has the potential to impact fields such as manipulation with light and imaging.
Source: Journal of Optics
Authors: V Rodríguez-Fajardo, T P Nguyen, E J Galvez
Institutions: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colgate University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,325
Funder: National Science Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W4408539130