Discrete-like diffraction dynamics in free space

Demonstrating Arago-Fresnel laws with Bessel beams from vectorial axicons

Two-dimensional Bessel beams, both vectorial and scalar, have been extensively studied to date, finding many applications. Here we mimic a vectorial axicon to create one-dimensional scalar Bessel beams embedded in a two-dimensional vectorial field. We use a digital micro-mirror device to interfere orthogonal conical waves from a holographic axicon, and study the boundary of scalar and vectorial states in the context of structured light using the Arago-Fresnel laws. We show that the entire field resembles a vectorial combination of parabolic beams, exhibiting dependence on solutions to the inhomogeneous Bessel equation and asymmetry due to the orbital angular momentum associated rotational diffraction. Our work reveals the rich optical processes involved at the interplay between scalar and vectorial interference, opening intriguing questions on the duality, complementarity, and non-separability of vectorial light fields.

A versatile quantum walk resonator with bright classical light

In a Quantum Walk (QW) the "walker" follows all possible paths at once through the principle of quantum superposition, differentiating itself from classical random walks where one random path is taken at a time. This facilitates the searching of problem solution spaces faster than with classical random walks, and holds promise for advances in dynamical quantum simulation, biological process modelling and quantum computation. Here we employ a versatile and scalable resonator configuration to realise quantum walks with bright classical light. We experimentally demonstrate the versatility of our approach by implementing a variety of QWs, all with the same experimental platform, while the use of a resonator allows for an arbitrary number of steps without scaling the number of optics. This paves the way for future QW implementations with spatial modes of light in free-space that are both versatile and scalable.

Generalized revival and splitting of an arbitrary optical field in GRIN media

Assuming a non-paraxial propagation operator, we study the propagation of an electromagnetic field with an arbitrary initial condition in a quadratic GRIN medium. We show analytically that at certain specific periodic distances, the propagated field is given by the fractional Fourier transform of a superposition of the initial field and of a reflected version of it. We also prove that for particular wavelengths, there is a revival and a splitting of the initial field. We apply this results, first to an initial field given by a Bessel function and show that it splits into two generalized Bessel functions, and second, to an Airy function. In both cases our results are compared with the numerical ones.

Diffraction-free beams in fractional Schrödinger equation

We investigate the propagation of one-dimensional and two-dimensional (1D, 2D) Gaussian beams in the fractional Schrödinger equation (FSE) without a potential, analytically and numerically. Without chirp, a 1D Gaussian beam splits into two nondiffracting Gaussian beams during propagation, while a 2D Gaussian beam undergoes conical diffraction. When a Gaussian beam carries linear chirp, the 1D beam deflects along the trajectories z = ±2(x - x0), which are independent of the chirp. In the case of 2D Gaussian beam, the propagation is also deflected, but the trajectories align along the diffraction cone z = 2√(x(2) + y(2)) and the direction is determined by the chirp. Both 1D and 2D Gaussian beams are diffractionless and display uniform propagation. The nondiffracting property discovered in this model applies to other beams as well. Based on the nondiffracting and splitting properties, we introduce the Talbot effect of diffractionless beams in FSE.