We investigate the twisted state of an atom and the possible effect of such a state on the properties of the photons emitted as a result of an electron transition in that atom. We first propose a framework for describing the twisted atomic state and then explore possible differences in the nuclear recoil effects in the twisted atom compared to those in the plane-wave atom. We conclude that if the initial atomic state is twisted, then the photon distribution is altered. We point out that, in a certain observation scheme, one can detect a feature of this twist in the distribution of the emitted photons, even in zero order in $m/M$ .We investigate the twisted state of an atom and the possible effect of such a state on the properties of the photons emitted as a result of an electron transition in that atom. We first propose a framework for describing the twisted atomic state and then explore possible differences in the nuclear recoil effects in the twisted atom compared to those in the plane-wave atom. We conclude that if the initial atomic state is twisted, then the photon distribution is altered. We point out that, in a certain observation scheme, one can detect a feature of this twist in the distribution of the emitted photons, even in zero order in $m/M$.

arXiv:2312.09182Physical Review AMay 2, 20245 citations

On the use of twisted photons for spectroscopy of impurity centers in crystals

V. Hizhnyakov, Viktor E. Peet, Yu.V. Orlovskii

Absorption of twisted photons for quadrupole $^{4}f\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{4}f$ transitions in $\mathrm{R}{\mathrm{e}}^{3+}$ impurity ions in micro- and macrocrystals is considered. Two types of twisted photon beams---the Laguerre-Gaussian and the Bessel-Gaussian beams---are considered and compared. Twisted photons have a nonzero transverse field gradient, which leads to selection rules for quadrupole transitions other than those in the case of the usual quadrupole transitions caused by a longitudinal field gradient. This allows one to observe new spectral lines which are absent in the usual absorption spectra. For microcrystals placed at the beam axis of twisted photons the otherwise dominating forced dipole $^{4}f\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{4}f$ transitions are absent, which simplifies the observation of new spectral lines.Absorption of twisted photons for quadrupole $^{4}f\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{4}f$ transitions in $\mathrm{R}{\mathrm{e}}^{3+}$ impurity ions in micro- and macrocrystals is considered. Two types of twisted photon beams---the Laguerre-Gaussian and the Bessel-Gaussian beams---are considered and compared. Twisted photons have a nonzero transverse field gradient, which leads to selection rules for quadrupole transitions other than those in the case of the usual quadrupole transitions caused by a longitudinal field gradient. This allows one to observe new spectral lines which are absent in the usual absorption spectra. For microcrystals placed at the beam axis of twisted photons the otherwise dominating forced dipole $^{4}f\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{4}f$ transitions are absent, which simplifies the observation of new spectral lines.

Physical review. B./Physical review. BJan 9, 20181 citation

Advanced Photons

David P. Hamilton

ScienceJul 6, 19900 citations

Double-slit interference of single twisted photons

Wen-Rong Qi, Rui Liu, Ling‐Jun Kong +5 more

Optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) is a special property of photons and has evoked research onto the light–matter interaction in both classical and quantum regimes. In classical optics, OAM is related to an optical vortex with a helical phase structure. In quantum optics, photons with a twisted or helical phase structure will carry a quantized OAM. To our knowledge, however, so far, no experiment has demonstrated the fundamental property of the OAM at the single-photon level. In this Letter, we have demonstrated the average photon trajectories of twisted photons in a double-slit interference. We have experimentally captured the double-slit interference process of twisted photons by a time-gated intensified charge-coupled device camera, which is trigged by a heralded detection. Our work provides new perspectives for understanding the micro-behaviors of twisted particles and enables new applications in imaging and sensing.Optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) is a special property of photons and has evoked research onto the light–matter interaction in both classical and quantum regimes. In classical optics, OAM is related to an optical vortex with a helical phase structure. In quantum optics, photons with a twisted or helical phase structure will carry a quantized OAM. To our knowledge, however, so far, no experiment has demonstrated the fundamental property of the OAM at the single-photon level. In this Letter, we have demonstrated the average photon trajectories of twisted photons in a double-slit interference. We have experimentally captured the double-slit interference process of twisted photons by a time-gated intensified charge-coupled device camera, which is trigged by a heralded detection. Our work provides new perspectives for understanding the micro-behaviors of twisted particles and enables new applications in imaging and sensing.

Chinese Optics LettersJan 1, 20208 citations

Advanced Photons

ScienceJan 5, 19900 citations

m/M

Absorption of twisted photons for quadrupole $^{4}f\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{4}f$ transitions in

\mathrm{R}{\mathrm{e}}^{3+}

impurity ions in micro- and macrocrystals is considered. Two types of twisted photon beams---the Laguerre-Gaussian and the Bessel-Gaussian beams---are considered and compared. Twisted photons have a nonzero transverse field gradient, which leads to selection rules for quadrupole transitions other than those in the case of the usual quadrupole transitions caused by a longitudinal field gradient. This allows one to observe new spectral lines which are absent in the usual absorption spectra. For microcrystals placed at the beam axis of twisted photons the otherwise dominating forced dipole $^{4}f\text{\ensuremath{-}}^{4}f$ transitions are absent, which simplifies the observation of new spectral lines.