Improved generation method utilizing a modified Fourier spectrum for Airy beams with the phase-only filter technique

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Nonlinear Optics
• Beam Shaping

Background:

• Airy beams are non-diffracting beams with unique propagation properties.
• Conventional methods for generating Airy beams can be complex and bulky.
• Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) devices offer a versatile platform for optical wavefront manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an improved and compact method for generating Airy beams.
• To demonstrate the accuracy and simplicity of the proposed technique.
• To facilitate further research into Airy beam properties and applications.

Main Methods:

• Encoding phase and amplitude information of a modified Airy beam Fourier spectrum onto an LCoS device.
• Utilizing a phase-only filter technique combined with a Fresnel holographic lens.
• Forming the Airy beam in the focal plane of the Fresnel holographic lens.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of Airy beams using the LCoS-based method.
• Excellent agreement between numerical simulations and experimental results.
• Demonstration of a compact optical setup comprising only a laser and an LCoS device.

Conclusions:

• The proposed LCoS-based method provides an accurate and simple way to generate Airy beams.
• The compact nature of the setup offers significant advantages over conventional methods.
• This advancement is expected to accelerate studies on Airy beam characteristics and applications.