Controlling nonlinear collapse of ellipticity and orientation of a co-variant vector optical field.

A vector optical field with inhomogeneous spatial polarization distribution offers what we believe to be a new paradigm to form controllable filaments. However, it is challenging to steer multiple performances (e.g. number, orientation, and interval) of filaments in transparent nonlinear media at one time. Herein, we theoretically self-design and generate a kind of believed to be novel ellipticity and orientation co-variant vector optical field to interact with Kerr medium to solve this issue. The collapsing behaviors of such a new hybrid vector optical field reveal that, by judiciously adjusting the inherent topological charge and initial phase of incident optical field, we are able to give access to stable collapsing filamentation with tunable numbers, orientations and interval. Additionally, the collapsing patterns presented are immune nearly to the extra random noise. The relevant mechanism behind the collapse of the vector optical field is elucidated as well. The findings in this work may have huge potential in optical signal processing, laser machining, and other related applications.

Color liquid crystal grating based color holographic 3D display system with large viewing angle.

Holographic 3D display is highly desirable for numerous applications ranging from medical treatments to military affairs. However, it is challenging to simultaneously achieve large viewing angle and high-fidelity color reconstruction due to the intractable constraints of existing technology. Here, we conceptually propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and feasible pathway of using a well-designed color liquid crystal grating to overcome the inevitable chromatic aberration and enlarge the holographic viewing angle, thus enabling large-viewing-angle and color holographic 3D display. The use of color liquid crystal grating allows performing secondary diffraction modulation on red, green and blue reproduced images simultaneously and extending the viewing angle in the holographic 3D display system. In principle, a chromatic aberration-free hologram generation mechanism in combination with the color liquid crystal grating is proposed to pave the way for on such a superior holographic 3D display. The proposed system shows a color viewing angle of ~50.12°, which is about 7 times that of the traditional system with a single spatial light modulator. This work presents a paradigm for achieving desirable holographic 3D display, and is expected to provide a new way for the wide application of holographic display.

Semidiscrete optical vortex droplets in quasi-phase-matched photonic crystals.

What we believe is a new scheme for producing semidiscrete self-trapped vortices ("swirling photon droplets") in photonic crystals with competing quadratic (χ(2)) and self-defocusing cubic (χ(3)) nonlinearities is proposed. The photonic crystal is designed with a striped structure, in the form of spatially periodic modulation of the χ(2) susceptibility, which is imposed by the quasi-phase-matching technique. Unlike previous realizations of semidiscrete optical modes in composite media, built as combinations of continuous and arrayed discrete waveguides, the semidiscrete vortex "droplets" are produced here in the fully continuous medium. This work reveals that the system supports two types of semidiscrete vortex droplets, viz., onsite- and intersite-centered ones, which feature, respectively, odd and even numbers of stripes, N. Stability areas for the states with different values of N are identified in the system's parameter space. Some stability areas overlap with each other, giving rise to the multistability of states with different N. The coexisting states are mutually degenerate, featuring equal values of the Hamiltonian and propagation constant. An experimental scheme to realize the droplets is outlined, suggesting new possibilities for the long-distance transmission of nontrivial vortex beams in nonlinear media.

Creating multiple ultra-long longitudinal magnetization textures by strongly focusing azimuthally polarized circular Airy vortex beams.

We come up with a simple feasible scheme for the creation of multiple ultra-long longitudinal magnetization textures. This is realized by directly strongly focusing azimuthally polarized circular Airy vortex beams onto an isotropic magneto-optical medium based on the vectorial diffraction theory and the inverse Faraday effect. It is found that, by jointly tuning the intrinsic parameters (i. e. the radius of main ring, the scaling factor, and the exponential decay factor) of the incoming Airy beams and the topological charges of the optical vortices, we are able to garner not only super-resolved scalable magnetization needles as usual, but also steerable magnetization oscillations and nested magnetization tubes with opposite polarities for the first time. These exotic magnetic behaviors depend on the extended interplay between the polarization singularity of multi-ring structured vectorial light fields and the additional vortex phase. The findings demonstrated are of great interest in opto-magnetism and emerging classical or quantum opto-magnetic applications.

All-optical demonstration of a scalable super-resolved magnetic vortex core.

We first present the all-optical realization of a scalable super-resolved magnetic vortex core (MVC) by tightly focusing two modulated counter-propagating radially polarized doughnut Gaussian beams based on the vectoial diffraction theory and the inverse Faraday effect. It is shown that by imposing spiral phase plates (SPPs) on the incident vectorial beams, single three-dimensional (3D) super-resolved (λ3/22) MVC can be achieved in the 4π focusing setup, which is radically different from that produced with a single lens focusing. Furthermore, the light-induced MVC texture turns to be richer and more complex when the radially polarized beams are tailored by the SPPs and judiciously designed multi-ring filters all together. In this case, we are able to garner not only transverse super-resolved (0.447λ) MVC needle with an uniformly extended area (40λ) in the single lens focusing system, but also the multiple uniform 3D super-resolved (λ3/24) chain-like MVC cells in the 4π focusing system, thus giving rise to the tunable and scalable super-resolved MVC extension. The related physical mechanisms to trigger such peculiar magnetization polarization topologies are unraveled as well. These resultant achievements would pave the way for the integrated transfer and storage of optomagnetic information, atomic trapping, and beyond.

Longitudinal magnetization superoscillation enabled by high-order azimuthally polarized Laguerre-Gaussian vortex modes.

We present an all-optical scheme for the generation of longitudinal magnetization superoscillation based on the vectorial diffraction theory and the inverse Faraday effect. To achieve this, an azimuthally polarized high-order Laguerre-Gaussian vortex mode is firstly focused by a high numerical aperture (NA) objective and then impinges on an isotropic magneto-optical material. It is found that, by judiciously controlling the intrinsic arguments (radial mode index (p) and truncation parameter (ß)) of such a configurable vectorial vortex beam, the longitudinal magnetic domain induced in the focal plane can be switched from a peak sub-wavelength magnetization (> 0.36λ/NA), via the fastest Fourier magnetization component (∼0.36λ/NA), to a super-oscillation magnetization hotspot (< 0.36λ/NA). We further examine the dependence of the transverse size, the side lobe, and the energy conversion efficiency within the focal magnetization domain on both the p and ß of the initial vortex modes, confirming that the higher-order structured vortex beams are preferable alternatives to trigger robust longitudinal magnetization superoscillation. In addition, the underlying mechanisms behind the well-defined magnetization phenomena are unveiled. The ultra-small-scale longitudinal magnetization demonstrated here may hold massive potential applications in high-density all-optical magnetic recording/storage, super-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, atom trapping and spintronics.

Dynamic control of magnetization spot arrays with three-dimensional orientations.

We report a new paradigm for achieving magnetization spot arrays with controllable three-dimensional (3D) orientations. Toward this aim, we subtly design a tailored incident beam containing three parts and further demonstrate that the designed incident beam is phase-modulated radial polarization. Based on the raytracing model under tight focusing condition and the inverse Faraday effect on the magneto-optic (MO) film, the magnetization field components along the y-axis and z-axis directions are generated through the focus. In particular, we are able to garner orientation-tunable 3D magnetization under different numerical apertures of the focusing objectives by adjusting the ratios between the three parts of incident beam. Apart from a single magnetization spot, magnetization spot arrays capable of dynamically controlling 3D orientation in each spot can also be achieved by multi-zone plate (MZP) phase filter. Such a robust magnetization pattern is attributed to not only the constructive interferences of three orthogonal focal field components, but also the position translation of each magnetization spot resulting from shifting phase of the MZP phase filter. It is expected that the research outcomes can be beneficial to spintronics, magnetic encryption and multi-value MO parallelized storage.

Liquid Refractive Index Measurement System Based on Electrowetting Lens.

In this paper, a liquid refractive index (LRI) measurement system based on an electrowetting lens was proposed. The system is composed of a light source, a collimating lens, a liquid measurement chamber (LMC), an electrowetting lens and an image sensor, which is integrated into a cylindrical cavity. The refractive index of the LMC changes with the addition of the measured liquid, and the incident light cannot be focused on the image plane. By adjusting the driving voltage of the electrowetting lens, the curvature of the liquid-liquid interface changes to focus the incident light onto the image plane. The refractive index of the liquid could be measured according to the voltage value. The proposed LRI measurement system has no mechanical moving parts, and the imaging surface remains stationary, which can make the measurement simply and correctly. The experiments show that the refractive index measurement range of the system can be turned from ~1.3300 to ~1.4040, and the measurement accuracy is 10-4. The system can be used to measure the optical properties of liquids and has broad potential applications in chemical reagent detection and pharmaceutical testing.

Arbitrarily spin-orientated and super-resolved focal spot.

In this Letter, we propose a facile approach for achieving a robust focal spot bearing both super-resolution and arbitrary spin orientation. Toward this aim, we meticulously devise a structured incident light consisting of three sorts of beams, which can be produced definitely by the superposition of a radially polarized beam and an azimuthally polarized beam. Based on the vectorial diffraction integral and spin density theory, such newly configurable beams are tightly focused and isotropically interfered in a 4π microscopic configuration to create three polarized field components perpendicular to each other beyond the diffraction limit, thus enabling us to yield a super-resolved focal spot possessing spatial spin axis. By further willfully adjusting the amplitude factors of the reconstituent fields, the photonic spin direction can be freely tunable. The demonstrated results in this Letter may hold great potential for the spin photonics.

Dynamic control of transverse magnetization spot arrays.

We propose a feasible strategy for firstly constructing diffraction-limited light-induced magnetization spot arrays capable of dynamically controlling transverse polarization orientation of each spot. To achieve this goal, we subtly design a tailored incident light comprised of two sorts of beams and sufficiently demonstrate tit's production through phase modulation of a radially polarized beam. Via tightly focusing counter-propagating composite illuminating beams in a 4π optical microscopic configuration, two orthogonally polarized focal fields with π/2 phase difference between them are formed, inducing a three-dimensional (3D) super-resolved transverse magnetization spot in the magnetic-optical (MO) film. Exploiting the ideal of the multi-zone plate (MZP) filter, we further achieve versatile magnetization spot arrays with controllable in-plane polarization direction in each spot. Such well-defined magnetization behavior is attributed to not merely the coherent interference of vectorial optical waves, but also non-overlapping superposition of localized focal fields. Our achievable outcomes pave the way for practical applications in spintronics and multi-value MO parallelized storage.

Self-Induced Backaction Optical Pulling Force.

We achieve long-range and continuous optical pulling in a periodic photonic crystal background, which supports a unique Bloch mode with the self-collimation effect. Most interestingly, the pulling force reported here is mainly contributed by the intensity gradient force originating from the self-induced backaction of the object to the self-collimation mode. This force is sharply distinguished from the widely held conception of optical tractor beams based on the scattering force. Also, this pulling force is insensitive to the angle of incidence and can pull multiple objects simultaneously.

Theoretical guideline for generation of an ultralong magnetization needle and a super-long conveyed spherical magnetization chain.

Considering an azimuthally polarized vortex beam with a Gaussian annulus as an incoming light, light induced magnetization fields for both a single high NA lens and a pair of high NA lenses are investigated theoretically. We deduce analytical formulas for the parameters of a magnetization needle and a magnetization chain when the angular width of the incident beam is far less than its central angular position. Through these analytical formulas, the properties of the magnetization needle and the magnetization chain are very clear and distinct. Compared with parameter optimizing to produce an ultralong magnetization needle with lateral sub-wavelength scale and a super-long spherical magnetization chain with three-dimensional super resolution, the analytical method is direct and has a theoretical guideline. The validity of these formulas is proved, compared to numerical solutions. The present work regarding these super-resolution magnetization patterns is of great value in high density all-optical magnetic recording, atomic trapping as well as confocal and magnetic resonance microscopy.

Three-dimensional supercritical resolved light-induced magnetic holography.

In the era of big data, there exists a growing gap between data generated and storage capacity using two-dimensional (2D) magnetic storage technologies (for example, hard disk drives), because they have reached their performance saturation. 3D volumetric all-optical magnetic holography is emerging rapidly as a promising road map to realizing high-density capacity for its fast magnetization control and subwavelength magnetization volume. However, most of the reported light-induced magnetization confronts the problems of impurely longitudinal magnetization, diffraction-limited spot, and uncontrollable magnetization reversal. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel 3D light-induced magnetic holography based on the conceptual supercritical design with multibeam combination in the 4π microscopic system. We theoretically demonstrate a 3D deep super-resolved [Formula: see text] purely longitudinal magnetization spot by focusing six coherent circularly polarized beams with two opposing high numerical aperture objectives, which allows 3D magnetic holography with a volumetric storage density of up to 1872 terabit per cubic inches. The number and locations of the super-resolved magnetization spots are controllable, and thus, desired magnetization arrays in 3D volume can be produced with properly designed phase filters. Moreover, flexible magnetization reversals are also demonstrated in multifocal arrays by using different illuminations with opposite light helicity. In addition to data storage, this magnetic holography may find applications in information security, such as identity verification for a credit card with magnetic stripe.

Magnetization shaping generated by tight focusing of azimuthally polarized vortex multi-Gaussian beam.

Combining the vector diffraction theory with the inverse Faraday effect, we have theoretically studied magnetization shaping generated by tight focusing of an azimuthally polarized multi-Gaussian beam superimposed with a helical phase. By selecting optimized parameters of a multi-Gaussian beam and topological charge of a spiral phase plate, not only a super-long and sub-wavelength longitudinal magnetization needle with single/dual channels for a single-lens high numerical aperture focusing system, but also an extra-long and three-dimensional super-resolution longitudinal magnetization chain with single/dual channels for a 4π high numerical aperture focusing system is achieved in the focal region. Furthermore, by continuously changing the phase difference between two counter-propagating beams, these super-long longitudinal magnetization chains with three-dimensional super-resolution can dynamically move along the z-axis. It is expected that these results pave the path for fabricating magnetic lattices for spin wave operation, multiple atoms or magnetic particle trapping and transportation, confocal and magnetic resonance microscopy, as well as multilayer ultrahigh density magnetic storage.

Three-dimensional super-resolution longitudinal magnetization spot arrays.

We demonstrate an all-optical strategy for realizing spherical three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution (∼λ3/22) spot arrays of pure longitudinal magnetization by exploiting a 4π optical microscopic setup with two high numerical aperture (NA) objective lenses, which focus and interfere two modulated vectorial beams. Multiple phase filters (MPFs) are designed via an analytical approach derived from the vectorial Debye diffraction theory to modulate the two circularly polarized beams. The system is tailored to constructively interfere the longitudinal magnetization components, while simultaneously destructively interfering the azimuthal ones. As a result, the magnetization field is not only purely longitudinal but also super-resolved in all three dimensions. Furthermore, the MPFs can be designed analytically to control the number and locations of the super-resolved magnetization spots to produce both uniform and nonuniform arrays in a 3D volume. Thus, an all-optical control of all the properties of light-induced magnetization spot arrays has been demonstrated for the first time. These results open up broad applications in magnetic-optical devices such as confocal and multifocal magnetic resonance microscopy, 3D ultrahigh-density magneto-optic memory, and light-induced magneto-lithography.

Achievement and steering of light-induced sub-wavelength longitudinal magnetization chain.

The light-induced magnetization distributions for a high numerical aperture focusing configuration with an azimuthally polarized Bessel-Gaussian beam modulated by optimized vortex binary filters are investigated based on the inverse Faraday effect. It is found that, by adjusting the radii of different rings of the single/ cascaded vortex binary filters, super-long (12λ) and sub-wavelength (0.416λ) longitudinal magnetization chain with single/dual channels can be achieved in the focal region. Such well-behaved magnetization trait is attributed to the mutual effect between the optical polarization singularities of the azimuthally polarized beam and single/cascaded spiral optical elements. In addition, we find that the displacement distance of the longitudinal magnetization chain is proportional to the phase difference between the inner circle and outer ring of the vortex binary filters, thus giving rise to the steerable magnetization chain. It is expected that the research outcomes can be applied in multiple atoms trapping and transport, multilayer magneto-optical data storage, fabrication of magnetic lattices for spin wave operation and development of ultra-compact optomagnetic devices.

Spherical and sub-wavelength longitudinal magnetization generated by 4π tightly focusing radially polarized vortex beams.

Based on the vector diffraction theory and the inverse Faraday effect, we numerically study the light-induced magnetization near the focus of a 4π high numerical aperture focusing configuration under the illumination of two counter- propagating radially polarized hollow Gaussian vortex beams. The simulated results demonstrate that, by selecting higher-order vortex beam modes (e.g. n=4with n - the beam order) and proper truncation parameter (e.g. ß=1.75 with ß- the ratio of the pupil radius to the incident beam waist), spherical and sub-wavelength longitudinal magnetization can be generated in the vicinity of focus. Such special magnetization feature is attributed to not only the interaction between optical vortices and the radially polarized beams, but also the completely destructive interference of azimuthal components and the constructive interference of the longitudinal component of the two counter-propagating radially polarized vortex beams. This spherical and sub-wavelength longitudinal magnetization distribution may be of interest for applications in all-optical magnetic recording and confocal and magnetic resonance microscopy.