Physics-based multistep beam propagation in inhomogeneous birefringent media

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Theoretical Physics

Background:

• Birefringent media exhibit complex light propagation behaviors.
• Existing models for beam propagation can be computationally intensive or limited in scope.
• Understanding light-matter interactions in anisotropic materials is crucial for optical technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a unified theoretical framework for both paraxial and wide-angle beam propagation in inhomogeneous birefringent media.
• To develop a computationally efficient and physically interpretable method for simulating light propagation.
• To explore novel applications of birefringent media, such as light guiding using topological solitons.

Main Methods:

• Development of a theoretical framework based on differential operators with clear physical interpretations.
• Numerical implementation utilizing sparse matrices for efficient computation.
• Validation through simulations on two-dimensional birefringent systems.
• Demonstration of application in complex three-dimensional systems.

Main Results:

• A unified theoretical framework applicable to paraxial and wide-angle beam propagation.
• Demonstrated computational efficiency and ease of numerical implementation.
• Successfully modeled light propagation in various birefringent systems.
• Showcased the potential of topological solitons in frustrated cholesteric liquid crystals as effective light waveguides.

Conclusions:

• The proposed theoretical framework offers a versatile and efficient approach to modeling light propagation in birefringent media.
• The method's physical interpretability and numerical simplicity facilitate broader applications.
• Topological solitons present a promising avenue for advanced optical functionalities, such as novel light guiding structures.