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The Generation of Higher-order Laguerre-Gauss Optical Beams for High-precision Interferometry
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Deflection of a reflected intense spatiotemporal optical vortex beam
Optics Letters
|May 24, 2023
Summary
We discovered a new deflection effect for intense spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) beams reflecting off plasma. This nonlinear optical phenomenon causes reflected beams to deviate from the expected path, even at normal incidence.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Plasma Physics
- Laser-Plasma Interactions
Background:
- Spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) beams possess unique properties.
- Interaction of intense laser beams with plasma can lead to complex phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reveal and explain a novel deflection effect in the reflection of intense STOV beams from overdense plasma.
- To investigate the parameters influencing this deflection.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional (2D) particle-in-cell simulations were employed.
- Analysis based on angular momentum conservation and the Maxwell stress tensor.
Main Results:
- A new deflection effect was observed for intense STOV beams impacting overdense plasma.
- The reflected beam deviates from specular reflection, with deflection angles in the milliradian range.
- Deflection is enhanced by increasing STOV beam intensity, focus, and topological charge.
- This nonlinear effect occurs even at normal incidence.
Conclusions:
- The observed deflection is an essentially nonlinear effect caused by asymmetrical light pressure from the STOV beam.
- This effect breaks the target surface's rotational symmetry, leading to nonspecular reflection.
- Unlike effects seen with Laguerre-Gaussian beams, STOV-induced deflection is more general, occurring at normal incidence.
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