Controllable Laguerre Gaussian wave packets along predesigned trajectories

Abstract

We introduce controllable Laguerre Gaussian wave packets (LGWPs) with self-accelerating and self-focusing properties along their predesigned parabolic trajectory via phase modulation. Numerically and experimentally recorded intensity patterns of controllable LGWPs with topological charges are obtained, and it is obvious that they agree well with the theoretical model. Furthermore, spatiotemporally controllable LGWPs can propagate stably along predesigned trajectories for many Rayleigh lengths. This paper not only provides a theoretical propagation model for these multi-dimensional controllable LGWPs, but also promotes further development of the basic research into self-bending and autofocusing structured light fields.

On-Chip Meta-Optics for Engineering Arbitrary Trajectories with Longitudinal Polarization Variation

“…With extensive application potential in various fields including microfabrication, optical tweezers, light bullets, and medical imaging, etc., research on accelerating optical trajectories has attracted considerable interest. − Bessel-like beams, as a novel class of accelerating optical beams, propagate along predefined arbitrary trajectories and possess three fascinating properties, namely, self-acceleration, diffraction-free propagation, and self-healing, revealing an emerging research direction. , Typically, conventional optical setups, for example, the spatial light modulators for generating Bessel-like beams, − are bulky and low diffraction efficiency, and lack flexible trajectory control capabilities, which makes it challenging for the miniature chip integration and hinders their further applications. The emergence of metasurfaces with ultrathin flat structures alleviates this issue, − and provides a convenient way to generate accelerating beams by modulating free-space light. − …”