Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Complex Light and Optical Forces

Free-space traps of light by light with Bessel beams

Andrew A. Voitiv, Mark E. Siemens, Mark T. Lusk

Published Mar 15, 2023• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We propose a method to controllably create free-space, “hard-trapped” two-dimensional fluids with Bessel-Gaussian beam superpositions. We use these systems to experimentally demonstrate several vortex dynamics that resemble dynamics numerically predicted in weakly-interacting quantum fluids. Theoretically, we perform a Bessel-mode decomposition on an initial state containing an arrangement of optical vortices. The experiment is performed using a laser beam that is structured holographically with a spatial light modulator that contains the initial condition of the reconstructed field from the theoretical decomposition. This works allows for the experimental verification of many numerically predicted dynamics or the discovery of new dynamics from experiment.

DOI
10.1117/12.2648470

Related papers

Trapped vortex dynamics implemented in composite Bessel beams

Andrew A. Voitiv, Mark E. Siemens, Mark T. Lusk

The divergence-free nature of Bessel beams can be harnessed to effectively trap optical vortices in free space laser propagation. We show how to generate arbitrary vortex configurations in Bessel traps to investigate few-body vortex interactions within a dynamically evolving fluid of light, which is a formal analog to a non-interacting Bose gas. We implement—theoretically and experimentally—initial conditions of vortex configurations first predicted in harmonically trapped quantum fluids, in the limit of weak atomic interactions, and model and measure the resultant dynamics. These hard trap dynamics are distinct from the harmonic trap predictions due to the non-local interactions that occur among the hard-wall boundary and steep phase gradients that nucleate other vortices. By simultaneously presenting experimental demonstrations with the theoretical proposal, we validate the potential application of using Bessel hard-wall traps as testing grounds for engineering few-body vortex interactions within trapped, two-dimensional compressible fluids.

arXiv:2401.10132•Physics of Fluids•Jan 1, 2024•2 citations

Quantized optical vortex-array eigenstates in a rotating frame

Mark T. Lusk, Andrew A. Voitiv, Mark E. Siemens

Linear combinations of Bessel beams can be used to effectively trap light within cylindrical domains. Such hard traps can be used to produce states that exhibit stationary arrays of optical vortices from the perspective of a steadily rotating frame. These patterned singularities can be engineered to have singularities of the same or mixed charges and the requisite rotation rates are quantized even though the setting is purely linear. A hydrodynamic interpretation is that the vortices are at rest within a compressible, two-dimensional fluid of light.

arXiv:2308.08036•Physical Review A•Aug 15, 2023•4 citations

Modulated optical vortices

Jennifer E. Curtis, David G. Grier

Single-beam optical gradient force traps created by focusing helical modes of light are known as optical vortices. Modulating the helical pitch of such a mode's wave front yields a new class of optical traps whose dynamically reconfigurable intensity distributions provide new opportunities for controlling motion in mesoscopic systems. An implementation of modulated optical vortices based on the dynamic holographic optical tweezer technique is described.

Optics Letters•Jun 1, 2003•188 citations

Cold atoms in holographically shaped optical traps

Fabienne Diry, Michael Mestre, B. Viaris de Lesegno +1 more

We are exploring the possibilities offered by Spatial Light Modulators to create dipole potentials with arbitrary shape in order to apply to cold atoms. As a first experiment we have realized a guide for atoms by shaping the laser beam into a Laguerre-Gaussian mode, creating a sort of tube, empty of light, where the atoms rest confined during their flight in the gravity field. We are, now, creating new potentials by modifying the Laguerre-Gaussian hologram in order to create new original traps for atoms.

Journal of Physics Conference Series•Nov 1, 2009•0 citations

Micromanipulation with Bessel beams: studies of angular momentum and reconstruction

David McGloin, Veneranda G. Garces, Kishan Dholakia

Bessel beams have a number of properties that make them useful for optical manipulation. These include a central core which does not diffract over a characteristic distance, the reconstruction of the cross sectional intensity around obstacles and the ability of the beams to possess orbital angular momentum. Here we examine the utility of the Bessel beam to quantitatively examine the transfer of spin and orbital angular momentum to particle trapped away from the beam axis. We show the simultaneous transfer of orbital and spin angular momentum to an off-axis particle. We experimentally study how both the spin and orbital angular momentum of light behaves upon passage through microscopic optically trapped particles. Particles trapped with Gaussian and, separately, Bessel light beams in two spatially distinct sample chambers are studied with trapped objects in the first chamber acting as distorting obstacles. We examine the differences between Bessel beams and Gaussian beams in such experiments. We also show how the Bessel beam can be used to simultaneously trap particles that can be as much as 1cm away from each other. We discuss applications of these results and suggest other topics where the Bessel beam may be of use.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Oct 18, 2004•0 citations

Rotating matter with optical and acoustical wavefields: new aspects of angular momentum transfer

Karen P. Volke-Sepúlveda, A. Vásquez-Arzola, N. Hernández-Candia +3 more

Optical vortices became a hot topic since almost two decades ago, when it was recognized that Laguerre-Gaussian laser modes carry orbital angular momentum [Allen et al. Phys Rev A 45, 8185 (1992)] related with a screw phase dislocation, and different from the spin angular momentum associated to circular polarization. In 1995, this dynamical quantity was transferred to matter in an optical micromanipulation system for the first time [H. He, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 826 (1995)], and since then, a number of studies on angular momentum of light have unveiled different interesting aspects on the subject. However, there are still open questions, which have arisen together with the generation of novel light beams, such as vector vortices, for instance. In contrast with scalar vortices, with usual polarization states (linear, circular, elliptical), the orientation and magnitude of the electric field of vector vortices (solutions of the vector wave equation) is a function of space and time. In this work, we present an experimental study of the local angular momentum density of a Bessel vector vortex of first order by means of an optical trap. For this purpose, we used different probe particles in order to sense the local contribution to the optical angular momentum in each region of the beam. But optical fields are not the only wave fields that may exhibit phase dislocations or singularities. There are close analogies between light and sound fields that can be exploited in order to get a better understanding of common phenomena and study new aspects in both branches of physics. Here we also present the first experimental demonstration and theoretical analysis of acoustical vortices in free field, with similar properties to those of the optical vortices, including the angular momentum that can be transferred to matter. The corresponding analogies and differences with the optical case turn out to be very enlightening for the understanding of the phenomenon of angular momentum in wave fields.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Aug 29, 2007•0 citations
We propose a method to controllably create free-space, “hard-trapped” two-dimensional fluids with Bessel-Gaussian beam superpositions. We use these systems to experimentally demonstrate several vortex dynamics that resemble dynamics numerically predicted in weakly-interacting quantum fluids. Theoretically, we perform a Bessel-mode decomposition on an initial state containing an arrangement of optical vortices. The experiment is performed using a laser beam that is structured holographically with a spatial light modulator that contains the initial condition of the reconstructed field from the theoretical decomposition. This works allows for the experimental verification of many numerically predicted dynamics or the discovery of new dynamics from experiment.
The divergence-free nature of Bessel beams can be harnessed to effectively trap optical vortices in free space laser propagation. We show how to generate arbitrary vortex configurations in Bessel traps to investigate few-body vortex interactions within a dynamically evolving fluid of light, which is a formal analog to a non-interacting Bose gas. We implement—theoretically and experimentally—initial conditions of vortex configurations first predicted in harmonically trapped quantum fluids, in the limit of weak atomic interactions, and model and measure the resultant dynamics. These hard trap dynamics are distinct from the harmonic trap predictions due to the non-local interactions that occur among the hard-wall boundary and steep phase gradients that nucleate other vortices. By simultaneously presenting experimental demonstrations with the theoretical proposal, we validate the potential application of using Bessel hard-wall traps as testing grounds for engineering few-body vortex interactions within trapped, two-dimensional compressible fluids.
Linear combinations of Bessel beams can be used to effectively trap light within cylindrical domains. Such hard traps can be used to produce states that exhibit stationary arrays of optical vortices from the perspective of a steadily rotating frame. These patterned singularities can be engineered to have singularities of the same or mixed charges and the requisite rotation rates are quantized even though the setting is purely linear. A hydrodynamic interpretation is that the vortices are at rest within a compressible, two-dimensional fluid of light.
We are exploring the possibilities offered by Spatial Light Modulators to create dipole potentials with arbitrary shape in order to apply to cold atoms. As a first experiment we have realized a guide for atoms by shaping the laser beam into a Laguerre-Gaussian mode, creating a sort of tube, empty of light, where the atoms rest confined during their flight in the gravity field. We are, now, creating new potentials by modifying the Laguerre-Gaussian hologram in order to create new original traps for atoms.
Bessel beams have a number of properties that make them useful for optical manipulation. These include a central core which does not diffract over a characteristic distance, the reconstruction of the cross sectional intensity around obstacles and the ability of the beams to possess orbital angular momentum. Here we examine the utility of the Bessel beam to quantitatively examine the transfer of spin and orbital angular momentum to particle trapped away from the beam axis. We show the simultaneous transfer of orbital and spin angular momentum to an off-axis particle. We experimentally study how both the spin and orbital angular momentum of light behaves upon passage through microscopic optically trapped particles. Particles trapped with Gaussian and, separately, Bessel light beams in two spatially distinct sample chambers are studied with trapped objects in the first chamber acting as distorting obstacles. We examine the differences between Bessel beams and Gaussian beams in such experiments. We also show how the Bessel beam can be used to simultaneously trap particles that can be as much as 1cm away from each other. We discuss applications of these results and suggest other topics where the Bessel beam may be of use.
Optical vortices became a hot topic since almost two decades ago, when it was recognized that Laguerre-Gaussian laser modes carry orbital angular momentum [Allen et al. Phys Rev A 45, 8185 (1992)] related with a screw phase dislocation, and different from the spin angular momentum associated to circular polarization. In 1995, this dynamical quantity was transferred to matter in an optical micromanipulation system for the first time [H. He, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 826 (1995)], and since then, a number of studies on angular momentum of light have unveiled different interesting aspects on the subject. However, there are still open questions, which have arisen together with the generation of novel light beams, such as vector vortices, for instance. In contrast with scalar vortices, with usual polarization states (linear, circular, elliptical), the orientation and magnitude of the electric field of vector vortices (solutions of the vector wave equation) is a function of space and time. In this work, we present an experimental study of the local angular momentum density of a Bessel vector vortex of first order by means of an optical trap. For this purpose, we used different probe particles in order to sense the local contribution to the optical angular momentum in each region of the beam. But optical fields are not the only wave fields that may exhibit phase dislocations or singularities. There are close analogies between light and sound fields that can be exploited in order to get a better understanding of common phenomena and study new aspects in both branches of physics. Here we also present the first experimental demonstration and theoretical analysis of acoustical vortices in free field, with similar properties to those of the optical vortices, including the angular momentum that can be transferred to matter. The corresponding analogies and differences with the optical case turn out to be very enlightening for the understanding of the phenomenon of angular momentum in wave fields.