Metrology with a twist: probing and sensing with vortex light

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metrology
• Quantum Science

Background:

• Traditional optical metrology relies on light's linear momentum and interferometry.
• Vortex light, characterized by orbital angular momentum (OAM), offers unique phase properties.
• Recent interest focuses on leveraging OAM for advanced metrological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in optical metrology using structured light, particularly vortex beams.
• To highlight the revolutionary impact of OAM in metrology and remote sensing.
• To explore the transition from classical to quantum approaches in optical metrology.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing vortex light with orbital angular momentum (OAM).
• Exploring chiral interactions between light and matter.
• Implementing three-dimensional motion detection via Doppler effects.
• Integrating artificial intelligence with optical metrology.
• Investigating modal approaches for enhanced resolution.

Main Results:

• Expanded metrology to include sensitive chiral detection.
• Enabled precise 3D motion detection using linear and rotational Doppler effects.
• Achieved improved profiling and quantification beyond traditional resolution limits.
• Demonstrated new measurement paradigms with additional degrees of freedom through AI integration.

Conclusions:

• Vortex light significantly advances optical metrology and remote sensing.
• The integration of AI with structured light opens new avenues for efficient and accurate measurements.
• Future trends point towards quantum approaches, further enhancing metrological capabilities.