Splitting an optical vortex beam to study photonic orbit-orbit interactions.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Optics
• Beam Propagation Physics

Background:

• Orbital angular momentum (OAM) in light beams enables unique propagation characteristics.
• Understanding interactions between OAM-carrying beams is crucial for advanced optical applications.
• Asymmetrical beam generation and analysis present distinct challenges and opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate photonic orbit-orbit interactions in freely propagating asymmetrical beams.
• To experimentally and numerically evidence these interactions and their effects.
• To explore the optical orbital Hall effect and transverse profile rotations in such beams.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Fresnel biprism for wavefront division of an optical vortex beam.
• Generated two complementary asymmetrical beams from a single optical vortex.
• Performed numerical simulations and experimental validations of beam propagation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated photonic orbit-orbit interactions in asymmetrical beams carrying orbital angular momentum.
• Observed the optical orbital Hall effect, manifesting as angular deviations from expected trajectories.
• Recorded rotation of the transverse field profile near the propagation axis, dependent on orbital momentum currents.

Conclusions:

• Photonic orbit-orbit interactions are evidenced in asymmetrical beams.
• The optical orbital Hall effect and profile rotations are key observable phenomena.
• Findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of light beam dynamics and OAM manipulation.