English

Revealing the essence of optical vortices: a step towards understanding the interaction between light and matter

1070
2023-12-29 14:15:32
See translation

In a groundbreaking scientific study published in Volume 13 of the Scientific Report, researchers reported on the results of Young's double slit interference experiment using oscillating vortex radiation under a photon counting system. The experiment involves using a spiral oscillator to emit second harmonic radiation in the ultraviolet range. Using an ultra narrow bandpass filter in the low current mode of the electronic storage ring to isolate this radiation and achieve successful counting measurements.

It is worth noting that researchers have observed individual photon spots randomly distributed on the detector. However, when these light spots are integrated together, they reveal interference fringes that exhibit optical vortex characteristics, such as dark fringes at the center, broken and twisted fringes. The reproducibility of these interference fringes was confirmed by calculating the optical path difference between the optical vortex reaching the double slit and the normal double slit interference.

This observation indicates that even single photons emitted by high-energy electrons in spiral motion exhibit optical vortex properties, characterized by spiral wavefronts. In fact, this is the first time this special feature has been observed in a single photon.

Optical vortices are known for their spiral wavefronts and their relationship with orbital angular momentum, which have aroused great interest in our understanding of light matter interactions. They have been studied in various environments, including spectroscopic measurements, particle capture, and their applications in STED microscopy.

Traditionally, the generation of optical vortices is achieved by transforming a Gaussian laser beam. However, this study suggests that the harmonic components of electromagnetic waves emitted by electrons in helical motion naturally have a helical phase structure. This breakthrough discovery raises an interesting question of whether individual electrons generate optical vortices and whether each photon has a spiral wavefront structure. These findings are expected to make significant contributions to the ongoing study of optical wave particle duality.

Source: Laser Net

Related Recommendations
  • Sivers will develop laser arrays for artificial intelligence and deliver prototypes in 2024

    Sivers Optics, a subsidiary of Sivers Semiconductors, has signed a product development agreement with an undisclosed company.Starting from the initial contract worth $1.3 million, the prototype will be delivered in 2024, and it is expected that the agreement will grow rapidly in 2025 before transitioning to mass production. After entering full production, customers expect the annual chip productio...

    2024-03-18
    See translation
  • Shanghai Optics and Machinery Institute has made new progress in laser welding of new high-temperature nickel based alloys

    Recently, the research team of Yang Shanglu from the Laser Intelligent Manufacturing Technology R&D Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Optics and Precision Machinery has made new progress in laser welding of new structural materials for high-temperature molten salts. The research team used a high-power laser for the first time to achieve defect free welding of nick...

    2023-09-01
    See translation
  • TriLite has partnered with AMS OSram to develop AR smart glasses displays

    TriLite has announced a technical collaboration with ams OSRAM, a global leader in smart sensors and transmitters. Ams Osram will supply its sub-assembled RGB laser diode to "light up" TriLite's Trixel® 3 laser beam scanner (LBS), the world's smallest AR smart glasses projection display.The award-winning Trixel® 3 LBS offers breakthrough compactness and light weight, as well as a bright an...

    2023-09-06
    See translation
  • Innoviz Technologies, a publicly listed laser radar company, has laid off approximately 9% of its workforce

    On February 5, 2025, Innoviz Technologies, an Israeli laser radar listed company, announced operational optimization measures to extend the duration of the company's cash reserve usage and accelerate profitability and free cash flow generation. To maximize efficiency, the company will reduce investment in developing mature areas. These measures will result in a reduction of approximately 9% in the...

    02-07
    See translation
  • Lumibird signs a 20 million euro contract to provide laser rangefinders for airborne defense applications

    Recently, European laser technology leader Lumibird announced the signing of a major contract to provide laser rangefinders for airborne defense applications.The contract is worth approximately 20 million euros, adding to Lumibird's existing business in laser rangefinders. It covers the supply of over 100 laser rangefinders over a three-year period starting from the third quarter of 2024, as well ...

    2023-10-01
    See translation