Hybrid vector beams with non-uniform orbital angular momentum density induced by designed azimuthal polarization gradient

Based on angular amplitude modulation of orthogonal base vectors in common-path interference method, we propose an interesting type of hybrid vector beams with unprecedented azimuthal polarization gradient and demonstrate in experiment. Geometrically, the configured azimuthal polarization gradient is indicated by intriguing mapping tracks of angular polarization states on Poincaré sphere, more than just conventional circles for previously reported vector beams. Moreover, via tailoring relevant parameters, more special polarization mapping tracks can be handily achieved. More noteworthily, the designed azimuthal polarization gradients are found to be able to induce azimuthally non-uniform orbital angular momentum density, while generally uniform for circle-track cases, immersing in homogenous intensity background whatever base states are. These peculiar features may open alternative routes for new optical effects and applications.

Orbital angular momentum density and spiral spectra of Lorentz–Gauss vortex beams passing through a single slit

Based on the Hermite–Gaussian expansion of the Lorentz distribution and the complex Gaussian expansion of the aperture function, an analytical expression of the Lorentz–Gauss vortex beam with one topological charge passing through a single slit is derived. By using the obtained analytical expressions, the properties of the Lorentz–Gauss vortex beam passing through a single slit are numerically demonstrated. According to the intensity distribution or the phase distribution of the Lorentz–Gauss vortex beam, one can judge whether the topological charge is positive or negative. The effects of the topological charge and three beam parameters on the orbital angular momentum density as well as the spiral spectra are systematically investigated respectively. The optimal choice for measuring the topological charge of the diffracted Lorentz–Gauss vortex beam is to make the single slit width wider than the waist of the Gaussian part.

Angular momentum density of a Gaussian vortex beam

The Gaussian vortex beam is assumed to be linearly polarized.The analytical expression of the electric field of a linearly polarized Gaussian vortex beam propagating in free space is derived by using the vectorial Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral formulae.The propagating magnetic field of the linearly polarized Gaussian vortex beam is presented by taking the curl of the electric field.By employing the electromagnetic field of the linearly polarized Gaussian vortex beam beyond the paraxial approximation,the analytical expression of the angular momentum density of the linearly polarized Gaussian vortex beam is derived.The three components of the angular momentum density of a linearly polarized Gaussian vortex beam are demonstrated in the reference plane.The effects of the linearly polarized angle and the topological charge on the three components of the angular momentum density are investigated.To acquire the more longitudinal angular momentum density requires such an optimal choice that the linearly polarized angle is set to be zero and the topological charge increases.This research is useful to the optical trapping,the optical guiding,and the optical manipulation.

Applications of Compton scattering

Compton scattering is used very widely. In this article, we depict an overall picture for its applications which are based on two basic theories. The first is the electron densitometry theory related to electron density. According to this theory its applications are in two fields: one is Compton scatter densitometry (CSD), the other is Compton scatter imaging (CSI). The second technique involves the electron momentum distribution and Compton profile. Applications of this technique are mainly the Compton profile analysis (CPA) and the Compton profile or the electron momentum distribution in physics and chemistry. Future research fields are suggested according to the current situation and limits of this technique and a promising prospect is unfolded.

A Micro-Sized Light-Driven Pico-Second Oscillator

Light carries linear momentum and can therefore exert a radiation force on the objects that it encounters. This established fact enabled optical manipulation of micro/nano-sized objects, as well as macroscopic objects such as solar sails, among many other important applications. While these efforts benefit from the average value of light’s linear momentum, in this article, we propose exploiting the temporal variation of light’s linear momentum to achieve an oscillatory force of microNewton amplitude and picosecond period. We validate our proposal by analytical calculations and time domain simulations of Maxwell’s equations in the case of a high-index quarter-wave slab irradiated by a terahertz plane electromagnetic wave. In particular, we show that for plane wave terahertz light of electric field amplitude 5000 V/m and frequency 4.8 THz, an oscillatory radiation pressure of amplitude 1.8 × 10-4 N/m2 and 0.1 ps period can be achieved.

Fractional Fourier transform of Lorentz-Gauss vortex beams

An analytical expression for a Lorentz-Gauss vortex beam passing through a fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) system is derived. The influences of the order of the FRFT and the topological charge on the normalized intensity distribution, the phase distribution, and the orbital angular momentum density of a Lorentz-Gauss vortex beam in the FRFT plane are examined. The order of the FRFT controls the beam spot size, the orientation of the beam spot, the spiral direction of the phase distribution, the spatial orientation of the two peaks in the orbital angular momentum density distribution, and the magnitude of the orbital angular momentum density. The increase of the topological charge not only results in the dark-hollow region becoming large, but also brings about detail changes in the beam profile. The spatial orientation of the two peaks in the orbital angular momentum density distribution and the phase distribution also depend on the topological charge.

Hollow vortex Gaussian beams

A kind of hollow vortex Gaussian beam is introduced. Based on the Collins integral, an analytical propagation formula of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam through a paraxial ABCD optical system is derived. Due to the special distribution of the optical field, which is caused by the initial vortex phase, the dark region of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam will not disappear upon propagation. The analytical expressions for the beam propagation factor, the kurtosis parameter, and the orbital angular mo- mentum density of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam passing through a paraxial ABCD optical system are also derived, respec- tively. The beam propagation factor is determined by the beam order and the topological charge. The kurtosis parameter and the orbital angular momentum density depend on beam order n, topological charge m, parameter y, and transfer matrix ele- ments A and D. As a numerical example, the propagation properties of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam in free space are demonstrated. The hollow vortex Gaussian beam has eminent propagation stability and has crucial application prospects in op- tical micromanipulation.

Optical spatiotemporal vortices

Spatiotemporal vortices of light,featuring transverse orbital angular momentum(OAM)and energy circulation in the spatiotemporal domain,have received increasing attention recently.The experimental realization of the controllable generation of spatiotemporal vortices triggers a series of research in this field.This review article covers the latest developments of spatiotemporal vortices of light ranging from theoretical physics,experimental generation schemes,and characterization methods,to applications and future perspectives.This new degree of freedom in photonic OAM endowed by spatiotemporal vortices paves the way to the discovery of novel physical mechanisms and photonic applications in light science.