chanelink logo
CHANELINK
English

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

1158
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

  • Germany Developed Short Wave Green Laser Underwater Cutting Technology

    With the prominent energy issues in various countries around the world, the utilization and development of energy have become a hot topic, and the demand for renewable energy is constantly increasing. The existing underwater infrastructure is no longer sufficient and needs to be dismantled using appropriate modern technology. For example, in order to increase the power of offshore wind power plant...

    2023-09-18
    See translation

  • Fabrinet Laser Business Revenue Surges

    Recently, Fabrinet released its financial report for the three months ended December 27, 2024, showing that its sales and revenue exceeded expectations. During the reporting period, the company achieved sales of $834 million, a year-on-year increase of 17%. Net income increased by 25% during the same period, reaching $86.6 million.Although the growth in performance is still dominated by the optica...

    02-07
    See translation

  • The researchers used ultrafast lasers to create nanoscale photonic crystals

    The optical properties of photonic crystals are closely related to their lattice constants, which are usually required to be in the same order of magnitude as the operating wavelength. In a crystal material, the photonic crystal structure is formed by the periodic arrangement in space of units whose dielectric constant is different from that of the crystal itself, and whose lattice constant depend...

    2023-08-04
    See translation

  • What are the "unique secrets" of each family in terms of breaking the game and high reaction materials?

    Laser is considered a sharp sword that cuts iron like mud, but even sharper swords can have tricky moments. For example, in certain scenarios, there are materials with higher reflectivity, such as silver, copper, etc., known as "high reflection materials". High reflective materials have a low absorption rate for lasers, making them difficult to process and potentially causing equipment failure or ...

    2023-11-06
    See translation

  • The physicist who built the ultrafast "attosecond" laser won the Nobel Prize

    Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L'Huillier won the award for their ultra short optical pulses, which made close research on electrons possible.Ferenc Klaus, Anne Lullier, and Pierre Agostini (from left to right)Image sources: BBVA Foundation, Kenneth Ruona/Lund University, Ohio State UniversityThis year's Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to three physicists - Pierre Agostini of Ohio St...

    2023-10-09
    See translation