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Vortex knots in light

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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Leach, J.
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Dennis, M.R.
ff55cf66-eb8b-4eb9-83eb-230c2f223d61
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), 1-11. (doi:10.1088/1367-2630/7/1/055).

Record type: Article

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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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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Contributors

Author: J. Leach
Author: M.R. Dennis
Author: J. Courtial
Author: M.J. Padgett

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