Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
Published on: August 12, 2013
Nonlocal stabilization of nonlinear beams in a self-focusing atomic vapor
S Skupin1, M Saffman, W Królikowski
1Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
Abstract:
We show that ballistic transport of optically excited atoms in an atomic vapor provides a nonlocal nonlinearity which stabilizes the propagation of vortex beams and higher order modes in the presence of a self-focusing nonlinearity. Numerical experiments demonstrate stable propagation of higher order nonlinear states (dipole, vortices, and rotating azimuthons) over a hundred diffraction lengths, before dissipation leads to decay of these structures.
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes
Deformation of a Beam under Transverse Loading
The insights from the bending moment diagram extend to...
Principal Stresses in a Beam
Analyzing principal stresses is crucial, especially in...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods
Impact Loading on a Cantilever Beam
When an object is dropped onto the free end of a cantilever, its potential energy due to gravity is...
Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency

