English

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

1092
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
  • Researchers have developed a quantum cascade laser in Italy

    The first all-Italian quantum cascade laser was born at the National Research Center in Pisa. The protagonists of this milestone are two researchers from the Nanoscience Institute, Lucia Sorba and Miriam Serena Vitiello, who together with their research team designed and developed this innovative device.In fact, quantum cascade lasers have unique potential for detecting gases and other molecules, ...

    2023-08-04
    See translation
  • A New Method for Controlling Light Polarization Using Liquid Crystal to Create Holograms

    Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in controlling optical polarization, which is a key characteristic of various applications such as augmented reality, data storage, and encryption.This new method was developed by a group of scientists using liquid crystals to create holograms, which can manipulate the polarization of light at different points. This represents a significant advanceme...

    2024-03-12
    See translation
  • Optical Drive Magnetic Control: A Breakthrough in Memory Technology

    A recent study conducted by the Hebrew University suggests an undiscovered relationship between magnetism and light. This discovery may pave the way for extremely fast optical storage technology and creative optical magnetic sensor technology.It is expected that this discovery will completely change the way equipment is manufactured and data is stored in a range of fields.Amir Capua, Professor and...

    2024-01-06
    See translation
  • The world's first scalable optical quantum computer prototype has been launched

    Canada's Xanadu Quantum Technologies has developed the world's first scalable optical quantum computer prototype. The company published an article in the latest issue of Nature detailing its design and construction process, and demonstrating how the prototype can be flexibly scaled up to the required scale. This breakthrough lays an important foundation for the development of large-scale quantum c...

    02-12
    See translation
  • Surface coupled laser technology manufacturer, secured £ 2.94 million in financing

    Recently, renowned surface coupled laser technology supplier Vector Photonics announced that it has received £ 1.667 million in equity investment and £ 1.27 million in additional research funding for the continued commercialization of its unique surface coupled laser (SCL) technology. Surface coupled lasers have completely changed semiconductor laser manufacturing, improving the performance of var...

    2024-06-14
    See translation