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Tunable near-infrared optical vortex parametric laser with versatile orbital angular momentum states
Applied Optics
|January 16, 2019
Summary
We developed a tunable vortex laser capable of producing versatile orbital angular momentum (OAM) states. This laser offers flexible OAM control by adjusting the optical parametric oscillator cavity length and signal wavelength.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Nonlinear Optics
Background:
- Vortex lasers generate light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM).
- Controlling OAM states is crucial for applications in optical communication and microscopy.
- Previous methods for tuning OAM states were often complex or limited in flexibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a tunable vortex laser with versatile orbital angular momentum (OAM) states.
- To achieve selective generation of signal (idler) output with multiple OAMs, including negative OAM.
- To enable tuning of OAM states by simple adjustments to the laser cavity and wavelength.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO) based on a lithium triborate (LiB3O5) crystal.
- Implementing a compact cavity configuration for the SRO.
- Achieving OAM state selectivity by adjusting the cavity length and tuning the signal wavelength.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a tunable vortex laser with versatile OAM states.
- Successfully generated signal (idler) output with three OAMs, including an upconverted (negative) OAM.
- Achieved tuning of the vortex output across a wavelength range of 0.74 to 1.84 μm.
- Obtained a maximum pulse energy of 2.16 mJ with a pump energy of 9.3 mJ.
Conclusions:
- The developed SRO provides a simple and effective method for generating tunable vortex beams with controllable OAM states.
- The compact cavity design and wavelength tuning offer a versatile platform for OAM manipulation.
- This technology has potential applications in fields requiring precise control of light beam properties.
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