Iterative creation and sensing of twisted light.

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Photonics
• Optical sensing

Background:

• Iterative photon-sample interactions enhance measurement sensitivity for properties like refractive index.
• Generating and sensing complex light states is crucial for advanced optical technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel technique for generating and sensing light states with high orbital angular momentum.
• To explore the use of iterative photon interaction in optical cavities for state generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a single-vortex phase plate (VPP) within a self-imaging optical cavity.
• Achieving multiple light-VPP interactions to simulate iterative angular momentum operator application.
• Employing a discrete VPP to realize a high-dimensional generalization of the Pauli matrix σₓ.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated light states with high orbital angular momentum.
• Demonstrated the creation of states exhibiting sub-diffraction limited features.
• Showcased a system that acts as a high-dimensional generalization of the Pauli matrix σₓ.

Conclusions:

• Iterative photon interaction in a cavity is an effective method for generating and sensing complex light states.
• The developed technique offers potential applications in advanced optical microscopy, such as structured illumination microscopy.
• The system provides a novel platform for exploring high-dimensional quantum information processing.