Article
Optics
David Marco, Maria Del Mar Sanchez-Lopez, Carlos Hernandez-Garcia, Ignacio Moreno
Summary: In this work, the density matrix formalism is used to describe vector beams and spatial modes with orbital angular momentum. The mapping between the polarization, higher-order, and orbital angular momentum Poincare spheres is comprehensively described. The study shows that vector and scalar modes can be obtained by superimposing orthogonal modes lying on the surface of the corresponding sphere. Experimental results validate the theoretical interpretation, demonstrating the importance of extending the degree of polarization concept to vector and OAM beams.
Article
Optics
Huicong Zhang, Tao Zhou, Chaoqing Dai
Summary: In this study, we report the experimental observation of the instability suppression of higher-order vortex solitons in cylindrical lead glass with thermal nonlocal nonlinearity. By using a coaxially propagating, mutually incoherent Gaussian beam, the vulnerable higher-order vortex soliton can be stabilized, forming a new type of soliton called Gauss-vortex vector soliton. The experimental results are in close agreement with the numerical simulations.
Article
Optics
Yonglei LIu, Zhen Dong, Fei Wang, Yahong Chen, Yangjian Cai
Summary: We propose a protocol to synthesize a class of vector beam array in the far field with periodic higher-order Poincare sphere (HOPS) polarization states by engineering the second-order spatial coherence structure of a partially coherent light source. The polarization state of a single HOPS beam at the source plane can be mapped into a beam array in the far field by engineering the spatial coherence of the beam source to have a lattice-like distribution. The degree of polarization of the generated HOPS beam array can be conveniently controlled by modulating the transverse spatial coherence width of the source. Our method provides an additional way to construct the structured beam array and may find applications, e.g., in multiparticle manipulations.
Article
Optics
Tushar Sarkar, Reajmina Parvin, Maruthi M. Brundavanam, Rakesh Kumar Singh
Summary: A non-interferometric method was proposed and experimentally demonstrated to quantitatively determine the topological charge and complete phase structure of a vortex beam scattered by random media. The theoretical basis developed was supported by numerical simulations and experimental results, with good agreement between them. The technique involves coupling spatial and polarization modes of coherent light before entering the scattering medium and retrieving complex polarization correlation functions to reconstruct twisted wavefronts.
Article
Optics
J. Keith Miller, Justin Free, Hunter McCoy, Eric G. Johnson
Summary: We present a novel method for generating beams with rapidly adjustable orbital angular momentum (OAM). This method employs a single-axis scanning galvanometer mirror to introduce a phase tilt on an elliptical Gaussian beam, which is subsequently converted into a ring using optics that perform a log-polar transformation. The system allows for kHz-range mode switching and can handle high power with high efficiency. In a light-matter interaction application utilizing the photoacoustic effect, the scanning mirror HOBBIT system achieved a 10 dB enhancement of the generated acoustics at a glass-water interface.
Article
Optics
Guowei Wu, Xiaowen Wu, Shecheng Gao, Jiajing Tu, Ji Zhou, Qi Sui, Weiping Liu, Zhaohui Li
Summary: A multi-channel orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode generation and switching scheme is proposed and demonstrated based on an in-fiber mode selective interferometer (MSI). The experimental results show that the scheme can efficiently generate the desired OAM mode with high purity at multiple wavelength channels, and achieve mode switching by changing the state of the interferometer.
Editorial Material
Optics
Andrey Pryamikov
Summary: Standard vortex beams are limited in their capacity for communication due to rapid beam divergence at high OAM values, but this problem can be solved using multi-vortex geometric beams.
LIGHT-SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Manna Gu, Ruirui Zhang, Chuanfu Cheng, Qingrui Dong, Xiangyu Zeng, Yuqin Zhang, Zijun Zhan, Chunxiang Liu, Chen Cheng
Summary: In this study, a metasurface design for generating focused higher-order Poincare (HOP) beams was proposed and its feasibility was demonstrated through simulations and experiments. This study is of significance in the integration of optical devices and the application areas of metasurfaces.
Article
Optics
Amal Mirando, Yimin Zang, Qiwen Zhan, Andy Chong
Summary: A recent study has shown that a spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) can be generated from a light source with partial temporal coherence instead of using mode-locked lasers, providing a convenient and cost-effective transverse OAM source.
Article
Optics
Xiangyu Zeng, Yuqin Zhang, Manna Gu, Zijun Zhan, Ruirui Zhang, Yu Zhang, Rui Sun, Changwei He, Chunxiang Liu, Chuanfu Cheng
Summary: This paper proposes a Fresnel zone metasurface for manipulating high-quality vector beams, achieving focusing effects through the design of metallic nanoslits, and demonstrating high-quality beam generation under broadband illumination in experiments. This work is of great significance for applications in fields such as precision metrology, optical micromanipulation, and quantum information.
PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Aleksi Leinonen, Antti Hannonen, Henri Partanen, Janne Heikkinen, Tero Setala, Ari T. Friberg, Tommi K. Hakala
Summary: This article introduces the geometric phase of classical electromagnetic light beams, which is applicable to fields undergoing cyclic, discrete polarizations changes. Berry later recognized a similar phase for adiabatic quantum systems, extending it to nonadiabatic and noncyclic quantum state evolutions. However, no optical counterpart for the noncyclic, adiabatic evolution has been demonstrated. In this study, a modified Young's two-pinhole setup is used to generate arbitrary continuous spatial evolution of polarization state, demonstrating the adiabatic noncyclic evolution of the Pancharatnam-Berry phase in an optical context.
COMMUNICATIONS PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Da-Jie Yang, Ji-Cai Liu
Summary: In this study, efficient and selective high-order resonances were demonstrated in symmetric and asymmetric plasmonic nanoparticles using vortex beams. A pure high-order resonance was observed in symmetric nanoparticles configured with a complete nanoring lying on the focal center. Asymmetric nanoparticles configured with a complete ring off the beam center or a splitting nanoring showed multiple resonances influenced by the ring's geometry, position, orientation, and photon OAM. These findings contribute to the understanding and control of OAM-involved light-material interactions in asymmetric nanosystems.
Article
Optics
Takeshi Fujisawa, Kunimasa Saitoh
Summary: By introducing air-holes around the core of a ring-core fiber, arbitrary higher-order spatial states generation can be achieved, including orbital angular momentum states. This mechanism, not relying on phase matching, exhibits very low wavelength dependence, providing a novel and efficient approach for manipulating the spatial state of light.
Article
Physics, Applied
Zhen Dong, Yahong Chen, Fei Wang, Yangjian Cai, Ari T. Friberg, Tero Setala
Summary: This study introduces a coherence-engineering protocol to generate partially coherent vectorial secondary light sources by encoding complex polarization states into the structure of electromagnetic spatial coherence. The results show that the produced partially coherent beams are highly robust, maintaining stability in the presence of obstacles or strong atmospheric turbulence.
PHYSICAL REVIEW APPLIED
(2022)
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
C. Cisowski, J. B. Gotte, S. Franke-Arnold
Summary: Geometric phases, acting as memories of the transformation of a physical system, are widespread in physics. In optics, the Pancharatnam-Berry phase and the spin-redirection phase are the most notable examples. Technological advances have led to the discovery of additional geometric phases of light, with fiber bundle theory providing the underlying mechanism. This Colloquium reviews the relationship between fiber bundle theory and geometric phases of light, as well as its implications for topological photonics and quantum communications in exploring high-dimensional state spaces.
REVIEWS OF MODERN PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Peng Chen, Zhi-Xiong Shen, Chun-Ting Xu, Yi-Heng Zhang, Shi-Jun Ge, Ling-Ling Ma, Wei Hu, Yan-Qing Lu
Summary: Holography, as a recognized technology for optical data encoding and extracting, has attracted increasing attention in miniaturization, multifunctionality, and tunability. However, the simultaneous realization of dynamic tunability and high-dimensional multiplexing remains a critical challenge. In this study, an innovative solution is proposed by utilizing the limited penetration depth of light in chiral liquid crystals and their intrinsic stimuli-responsive characteristics. Through the integration of a photoactive chiral dopant and photopatterning, light-activated spectrally tunable, polarization- and direction-dependent holograms are created simultaneously. An encrypted signal light is demonstrated as an example, where the wavelength, propagation direction, helicity of light, and reaction duration serve as customized keys for information decryption.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Weiwei Wu, Xiongjun He, Wenrui Yang, M. Shahria Alam, Bingyan Wei, Jia He
Summary: The corrosion degradation of reinforced concrete structures induced by harsh engineering environments is a worldwide recognized problem. Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (FRP) has excellent environmental corrosion resistance, and partial replacement of steel bars in harsh environments can effectively solve the durability problem of concrete structures.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Yuan Liu, Wei Chen, Yang Ming, Wang Zhang, Jie Tang, Rui Yuan, Wei Hu, Yan-Qing Lu
Summary: Linear conformal transformation provides an effective method for detecting the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of photons, but its applicability is limited to single or few separated wavelengths, and nondestructive detection cannot be achieved. A second-harmonic spiral transformation is described and demonstrated, which allows for IR-visible detection of OAM states over a wide range of wavelengths with low energy loss. The scheme also allows for flexibility in adjusting phase-matching conditions for lower energy losses or higher sensitivity.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiqing Liang, Xiaoxian He, Dongmei Gu, Fucai Liu, Xiangru Wang, Tibin Zeng, Yingjie Zhou, Fan Fan, Wei Hu
Summary: This study proposes a novel method, called self-interference polarisation pantograph (SiPPer), for fabricating Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) devices. The SiPPer method utilizes self-interference effect to transfer polarization information to the focal plane of a photosensitive polarization sample losslessly. This method is compatible with all PB devices and can reduce the requirements on the exposing source.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongguan Yu, Huacai Wang, Qiguang Wang, Shijun Ge, Wei Hu
Summary: Recently, terahertz waves of higher frequencies have shown great potential in radar detection and high-speed wireless communication. Metamaterials and metasurfaces have become the most promising technique for the free manipulation of terahertz waves. Liquid crystals integrated with plasmonic metamaterials enable dynamically adjustable functions and offer potential applications in terahertz communication and imaging.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Crystallography
Si-jia Liu, Yi-heng Zhang, Lin Zhu, Peng Chen, Yan-qing Lu
Summary: In this paper, a liquid crystal spiral Dammann zone plate is designed and fabricated, which can create a switchable 1x5 longitudinal vortex array with space-variant topological charges. The topological charges can undergo a reversal or additive transformation by flipping the device or altering the mode of incident light. The LC spiral Dammann zone plate is distinguished by its low cost, high efficiency, and electro-optical tunability, facilitating the applications of LC elements in multi-dimensional beam shaping.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF LIQUID CRYSTALS AND DISPLAYS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ren Zheng, Lingling Ma, Wei Feng, Jintao Pan, Zeyu Wang, Zhaoxian Chen, Yiheng Zhang, Chaoyi Li, Peng Chen, Hari Krishna Bisoyi, Bingxiang Li, Quan Li, Yanqing Lu
Summary: Advances in biomimicry have led to the rise of advanced robotics, offering promising revolutions in various fields. This article presents the design, fabrication, and operation of crosslinked liquid crystal actuators that combine microstructure programming and macroscopic shape morphing for active optics and photonics. These actuators, consisting of twisted nematic liquid crystal molecules, exhibit large bending deformations in response to heat, enabling programmable bending motions and self-sustained waddling oscillations. The achievement of dynamic 2D beam steering and self-sustained light field modulation further enhances their potential applications in autonomous active optical systems, photonic applications, and self-governing robotics.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Si-Jia Liu, Lin Zhu, Yi-Heng Zhang, Wen Chen, Dong Zhu, Peng Chen, Yan-Qing Lu
Summary: This study proposes a bi-chiral liquid crystalline nanostructure that induces reflective optical rotatory dispersion and spin-decoupled geometric phases simultaneously, allowing for multi-dimensional light control and versatile stimuli-responsiveness. Dynamic holography with fast response is demonstrated using heat and electric field. For polychromatic light, hybrid multiplexed holographic painting with tunable colors is exhibited. This study extends the construction of soft chiral superstructures, provides an open-ended strategy for on-demand light control, and enlightens advanced applications in display, optical computing, and communication.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Chun-Yu Li, Si-Jia Liu, Bing-Shi Yu, Hai-Jun Wu, Carmelo Rosales-Guzman, Yijie Shen, Peng Chen, Zhi-Han Zhu, Yan-Qing Lu
Summary: Reciprocal spin-orbit coupling with flat optics has the potential to shape and control structured light. Current devices only modulate wavefronts without amplitude control. To address this issue, structured geometric phase gratings are introduced, allowing control of complex amplitudes for orthogonal circular polarizations. This unlocks full-field control of paraxial structured light via flat optics.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Chun-Ting Xu, De-Wei Zhang, Rui Yuan, Quan-Ming Chen, Xiao Liang, Wei Hu
Summary: This study explores a novel option for multiplexing called orbital angular momentum (OAM) to meet the increasing demand for information capacity. A polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal is used to achieve spatial phase modulation and on-demand tailoring of working bands. By varying the DC voltage, the working band of an OAM processor can be switched between narrowband and broadband states, enabling a wavelength-division-multiplexing compatible approach for OAM processing. This design offers a promising solution for liquid crystal planar optics and can advance massive information transmission and large-capacity data processing.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Sai-Bo Wu, Jin-Bing Wu, Hui-Min Cao, Yan-Qing Lu, Wei Hu
Summary: This study investigates the generation and guidance of topological defects during phase transitions in liquid crystals. Two different types of defects are achieved depending on the thermodynamic process, with a stable array of toric focal conic domains (TFCDs) and a frustrated one generated in the smectic phase. The frustrated defect transfers to a metastable TFCD array and further changes to a crossed-walls type in the nematic state. This letter vividly describes the phase transition process and the roles of topological defects in order evolution, paving the way for further investigation in soft matter and other ordered systems.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Guang-Yao Wang, Chun-Yu Huang, Han Cao, Chun-Ting Xu, Wei Hu
Summary: Photon plays a dominant role in telecom as the information carrier due to its large bandwidth and low energy consumption. Optical encryption, using dual-channel intensities and a far-field hologram, provides enhanced data security. By programming different quick response codes in two intensity channels and transforming them according to the predetermined rule revealed by the hologram, a universal key for data encryption is created.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xianjing Huang, Dong Zhu, Zhou Zhou, Kuixian Chen, Guoxing Zheng, Peng Chen, Yan-Qing Lu, Zile Li
Summary: Traditional holographic encryption methods based on the combination of gratings and liquid crystals (LCs) cannot provide full security due to the lack of strict requirements for decoding methods. In this paper, a simple but effective encryption method is proposed, and a four-in-one hologram based on photopatterned LCs is designed. The most important encrypted image can only be displayed when the four LC holograms in the same group are spliced into a whole according to the designed order. Our encryption scheme has the advantages of simple design, high security, and low crosstalk, with great potential in the fields of information hiding and image encryption.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Shi-Yuan Wen, Bing-Yan Wei, Jie-Qiong Ma, Li Wang, Yan-Yan Chen
Summary: Plantago asiatica L., a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been used as a vegetable and nutritious food in Asia for thousands of years. Recent research has shown that its active compounds have various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. This article provides a detailed review of the 87 components of the plant, their structures, as well as their biological activities and molecular research progress. The findings of this review serve as valuable reference material for further study, production, and application of P. asiatica and its components in functional foods and therapeutic agents.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Quantum Science & Technology
Quan-Ming Chen, Chun-Ting Xu, Xiao Liang, Wei Hu
Summary: This paper reviews the recent progress on the customizable working band of liquid crystal planar optics enabled by helical structures. It summarizes the development of broadband transmissive devices, broadband reflective Bragg-Berry phase elements, transflective phase modulations, and external field shifted bands of planar optics. In addition to customization of the geometric phase and working band, manipulation of other optical parameters is also discussed. The self-assemblies and external field responsiveness of liquid crystals make them a perfect platform for full-dimensional manipulation of light.
ADVANCED QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
