Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Shaping the Amplitude and Phase of Laser Beams by Using a Phase-only Spatial Light Modulator
Published on: January 28, 2019
Creation and annihilation of phase singularities in a focal field
Abstract:
It is well known that uniform illumination of a lens leads to a focal field with a pattern of dark Airy rings in the focal plane, whereas this is not the case for Gaussian illumination. We show theoretically and experimentally that in the transition between the two cases the Airy rings, being phase singularities, reorganize themselves by means of a creation-annihilation process leading to new dark rings outside the focal plane.
Related Concept Videos
Second Uniqueness Theorem
In contrast, consider that the electric field is non-unique and apply Gauss's law in divergence form in the region between the conductors and the integral form to the surface...
Interference and Diffraction
Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes
Divergence and Curl of Electric Field
Magnetostatic Boundary Conditions
Phase Transitions

