Vortex knots in light
Vortex knots in light
Optical vortices generically arise when optical beams are combined. Recently, we reported how several laser beams containing optical vortices could be combined to form optical vortex loops, links and knots embedded in a light beam (Leach et al 2004 Nature 432 165). Here, we describe in detail the experiments in which vortex loops form these structures. The experimental construction follows a theoretical model originally proposed by Berry and Dennis, and the beams are synthesized using a programmable spatial light modulator and imaged using a CCD camera.
1-11
Leach, J.
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Dennis, M.R.
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Courtial, J.
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Padgett, M.J.
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2005
Leach, J.
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Dennis, M.R.
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Courtial, J.
b09d3cbb-e4ff-45fb-b484-9517719fb909
Padgett, M.J.
124799da-d531-4d0c-ab20-1b9b2ea9fa6c
Leach, J., Dennis, M.R., Courtial, J. and Padgett, M.J.
(2005)
Vortex knots in light.
New Journal of Physics, 7 (55), .
(doi:10.1088/1367-2630/7/1/055).
Abstract
Optical vortices generically arise when optical beams are combined. Recently, we reported how several laser beams containing optical vortices could be combined to form optical vortex loops, links and knots embedded in a light beam (Leach et al 2004 Nature 432 165). Here, we describe in detail the experiments in which vortex loops form these structures. The experimental construction follows a theoretical model originally proposed by Berry and Dennis, and the beams are synthesized using a programmable spatial light modulator and imaged using a CCD camera.
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NJP7_55.pdf
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Published date: 2005
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 29394
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/29394
PURE UUID: 43fff0fd-b3bf-4edc-aafa-0b69d20a2f31
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Date deposited: 11 May 2006
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 07:31
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Author:
J. Leach
Author:
M.R. Dennis
Author:
J. Courtial
Author:
M.J. Padgett
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