Parallel multiphoton microscopy with cylindrically polarized multifocal arrays

Spatio-temporal structuring control of a vectorial focal field

Focal field modulation has attracted a lot of interest due to its potential in many applications such as optical tweezers or laser processing, and it has recently been facilitated by spatial light modulators (SLMs) owing to their dynamic modulation abilities. However, capabilities for manipulating focal fields are limited by the space-bandwidth product of SLMs. This difficulty can be alleviated by taking advantage of the high-speed modulation ability of digital micromirror devices (DMDs), i.e., trading time for space to achieve fine focus shaping. In this paper, we propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, technique for achieving four-dimensional focal field modulation, which allows for independent manipulation of the focal field's parameters (including amplitude, phase, and polarization) in both the space and time domains. This technique combines a DMD and a vector field synthesis system based on a 4-f system. The high-speed modulation ability of DMDs enables versatile focus patterns to be fast switchable during the exposure time of the detector, forming multiple patterns in a single recording frame. By generating different kinds of focal spots and lines at different moments during the exposure time of the detector, we can finally get complete multifocal spots and lines. Our proposed method is effective at improving the flexibility and speed of the focal field modulation, which is beneficial to applications.

Realization of flexible and parallel laser direct writing by multifocal spot modulation

In this investigation, we propose a strip segmentation phase (SSP) method for a spatial light modulator (SLM) to generate independent multifocal spots when the beam passes through a high numerical aperture (NA) lens. With the SSP method, multifocal spots can be generated with each spot independently, flexibly and uniformly distributed. The performance of the SSP method is first validated with numerical simulation. Then, by applying the modulation method with SLM and importing the beams into an inverted fluorescence microscopy system with a high-NA lens, the spot distribution and their shapes can be observed by fluorescent image. The fluorescent image exhibits high uniformity and high consistency with the aforementioned numerical simulations. Finally, we dynamically load a series of phase maps on SLM to realize continuous and independent spot movement in a multifocal array. By laser direct writing on photoresist, a complex NWU-shape structure can be realized flexibly with multi-task fabrication capability. The SSP method can significantly improve the efficiency and flexibility of laser direct writing. It is also compatible with most recent techniques, e.g., multiphoton absorption, stimulated emission depletion and photo-induced depolymerization etc., to realize parallel super-resolution imaging and fabrications.

Nanoscale optical writing through upconversion resonance energy transfer

Nanoscale optical writing using far-field super-resolution methods provides an unprecedented approach for high-capacity data storage. However, current nanoscale optical writing methods typically rely on photoinitiation and photoinhibition with high beam intensity, high energy consumption, and short device life span. We demonstrate a simple and broadly applicable method based on resonance energy transfer from lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles to graphene oxide for nanoscale optical writing. The transfer of high-energy quanta from upconversion nanoparticles induces a localized chemical reduction in graphene oxide flakes for optical writing, with a lateral feature size of ~50 nm (1/20th of the wavelength) under an inhibition intensity of 11.25 MW cm-2 Upconversion resonance energy transfer may enable next-generation optical data storage with high capacity and low energy consumption, while offering a powerful tool for energy-efficient nanofabrication of flexible electronic devices.

Wavelength-tunable focusing via a Fresnel zone microsphere

In this Letter, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, structural configuration on a transparent microsphere is proposed to engineer the focusing light field. By patterning a hybrid diffractive Fresnel zone plate structure on a partially milled microsphere using a focused ion beam, wavelength-dependent switching between mono-focal and multi-focal functionalities can be achieved. Generation of on-axis tri-foci and mono-focus light fields under high numerical-aperture (${\rm NA}\gt {0.67}$NA>0.67) conditions at two working wavelengths (405 nm and 808 nm) have been demonstrated both numerically and experimentally.

Dynamic three-dimensional multifocal spots in high numerical-aperture objectives

Multifocal spots in high numerical-aperture (NA) objectives has emerged as a rapid, parallel, and multi-location method in a multitude of applications. However, the typical method used for forming three-dimensional (3D) multifocal spots based on iterative algorithms limits the potential applications. We demonstrate a non-iterative method using annular subzone phases (ASPs) that are composed of many annular subareas in which phase-only distributions with different 3D displacements are filled. The dynamic 3D multifocal spots with controllable position of each focal spot in the focal volume of the objective are created using the ASPs. The experimental results of such dynamic tunable 3D multifocal spots offer the possibility of versatile process in laser 3D fabrication, optical trapping, and fast focusing scanned microscopic imaging.

Theoretical guideline for generation of an ultralong magnetization needle and a super-long conveyed spherical magnetization chain

Considering an azimuthally polarized vortex beam with a Gaussian annulus as an incoming light, light induced magnetization fields for both a single high NA lens and a pair of high NA lenses are investigated theoretically. We deduce analytical formulas for the parameters of a magnetization needle and a magnetization chain when the angular width of the incident beam is far less than its central angular position. Through these analytical formulas, the properties of the magnetization needle and the magnetization chain are very clear and distinct. Compared with parameter optimizing to produce an ultralong magnetization needle with lateral sub-wavelength scale and a super-long spherical magnetization chain with three-dimensional super resolution, the analytical method is direct and has a theoretical guideline. The validity of these formulas is proved, compared to numerical solutions. The present work regarding these super-resolution magnetization patterns is of great value in high density all-optical magnetic recording, atomic trapping as well as confocal and magnetic resonance microscopy.

Three-dimensional super-resolution longitudinal magnetization spot arrays

We demonstrate an all-optical strategy for realizing spherical three-dimensional (3D) super-resolution (∼λ³/22) spot arrays of pure longitudinal magnetization by exploiting a 4π optical microscopic setup with two high numerical aperture (NA) objective lenses, which focus and interfere two modulated vectorial beams. Multiple phase filters (MPFs) are designed via an analytical approach derived from the vectorial Debye diffraction theory to modulate the two circularly polarized beams. The system is tailored to constructively interfere the longitudinal magnetization components, while simultaneously destructively interfering the azimuthal ones. As a result, the magnetization field is not only purely longitudinal but also super-resolved in all three dimensions. Furthermore, the MPFs can be designed analytically to control the number and locations of the super-resolved magnetization spots to produce both uniform and nonuniform arrays in a 3D volume. Thus, an all-optical control of all the properties of light-induced magnetization spot arrays has been demonstrated for the first time. These results open up broad applications in magnetic-optical devices such as confocal and multifocal magnetic resonance microscopy, 3D ultrahigh-density magneto-optic memory, and light-induced magneto-lithography.

Generation of a controllable multifocal array from a modulated azimuthally polarized beam

In this Letter, the focal spot areas of an azimuthally polarized beam modulated with a vortex-0-2π-phase plate or a π-phase-step plate are numerically found to be smaller than a radially polarized beam for three pupil functions with uniform, Gaussian, and Bessel-Gauss profiles. Several types of multizone phase plates are theoretically designed and numerically simulated for generating tight multifocal arrays from the azimuthally polarized beams for what we believe is the first time. The positions and polarization states of the multifocal arrays can be controlled simply by varying the pattern of the multizone plates. The produced multifocal array with controllable position and polarization is beneficial to parallel optical recording and parallel optical imaging.

Multifocal array with controllable polarization in each focal spot

We propose a method for producing multifocal spot arrays (MSAs) capable of controlling the position and polarization orientation of each focal spot with radially polarized Bessel-Gaussian beam. Based on a simple analytical equation that can be used to manipulate the position of the focal spot, we design a type of multi-zone plate (MZP) composed of many fan-shaped subareas which accordingly generate lateral position-controllable multifocal spots. By adding a π-phase difference between a division line passing through the center of the back aperture with different orientations to corresponding subareas of the MZP, we realize MSAs in which orientations of the linear polarization in each focal spot can be arbitrarily manipulated. Such position and polarization controllable MSAs may potentially have applications in many fields.

Polarization-multiplexed multifocal arrays by a π-phase-step-modulated azimuthally polarized beam

We demonstrate a polarization-multiplexed multifocal array capable of individually manipulating the focal polarization state in each focal spot. Breaking the rotational phase symmetry through adding a π-phase-step to an azimuthally polarized beam leads to a linear focal polarization state with high polarization purity. Through the superposition of such modulated azimuthal polarization fields at the back aperture of the objective, multifocal arrays with individually controllable and non-identical polarization states can be achieved. In addition, this approach exhibits a sub-diffraction-limited feature with an improved lateral resolution of 10% reduced full width at half-maximums in each linearly polarized focal spot. Consequently, applying this technique to parallel polarization-multiplexed optical recording is demonstrated.

Super-resolved pure-transverse focal fields with an enhanced energy density through focus of an azimuthally polarized first-order vortex beam

We report on the experimental demonstration of super-resolved pure-transverse focal fields through focusing an azimuthally polarized first-order vortex (FOV) beam. The optimized confinement of focal fields by creating constructive interference through the superposition of the FOV on an azimuthally polarized beam is observed by both a scanning near-field microscope and a two-photon fluorescence microscope. An enhanced peak intensity of the focal spot by a factor of 1.8 has been observed compared with that of the unmodulated azimuthally polarized beam. The super-resolved and pure-transverse focal fields with a 31% reduced focal area determined by the full-width at half-maximum compared to that of tightly focused circular polarization is experimentally corroborated. This superiority over the circular polarization stands for any numerical aperture greater than 0.4. This technique holds the potential for applications requiring subwavelength resolution and pure-transverse fields such as high-density optical data storage and high-resolution microscopy.

Generation of unconventional polarization from light scattered by metallic cylinders under conical incidence

A simple experimental method to generate unconventional polarized states from the conical scattering of light by thin metallic cylinders is presented. Results show that radial and azimuthal polarizations are easily obtained. This opens up the possibility for a broad range of applications, from surgery to industrial and even to remote sensing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the cheapest and easiest way to generate radial and azimuthal unconventional polarization states.

Three-dimensional shape-controllable focal spot array created by focusing vortex beams modulated by multi-value pure-phase grating

We propose a method for creating a three-dimensional (3D) shape-controllable focal spot array by combination of a two-dimensional (2D) pure-phase modulation grating and an additional axial shifting pure-phase modulation composed of four-quadrant phase distribution unit at the back aperture of a high numerical aperture (NA) objective. It is demonstrated that the one-dimensional (1D) grating designed by optimized algorithm of selected number of equally spaced arbitrary phase value in a single period could produce desired number of equally spaced diffraction spot with identical intensity. It is also shown that the 2D pure-phase grating designed with this method could generate 2D diffraction spot array. The number of the spots in the array along each of two dimensions depends solely on the number of divided area with different phase values of the dimension. We also show that, by combining the axial translation phase modulation at the back aperture, we can create 3D focal spot array at the focal volume of the high NA objective. Furthermore, the shape or intensity distribution of each focal spot in the 3D focal array can be manipulated by introducing spatially shifted multi vortex beams as the incident beam. These kinds of 3D shape-controllable focal spot array could be utilized in the fabrication of artificial metamaterials, in parallel optical micromanipulation and multifocal multiphoton microscopic imaging.

Multifocal spot array generated by fractional Talbot effect phase-only modulation

We propose an approach for generating a multifocal spot array (MSA) with a high numerical aperture (NA) objective. The MSA is generated by using a special designed phase-only modulation at the back aperture of an objective. Without using any iteration algorithm, the modulated phase pattern is directly obtained by the simple analytical expressions based on the fractional Talbot effect. It is shown that the number of the spots in the focal region depends solely on the fractional Talbot parameter. By engineering the phase pattern with a large fractional Talbot parameter, a large number of focal spots can be created. Furthermore, the intensity distribution of each focal spot can be manipulated by introducing a composite spatially shifted vortex beam (CSSVB) as the incident field, leading to creation of various kinds of specific shaped spots. Consequently, the MSA composed of multiple individual spots with specific shape is created by focusing the CSSVB combined with the multifocal phase-only modulation. These kinds of MSAs may be found applications in parallel optical micromanipulation, multifocal multiphoton microscopic imaging, and parallel laser printing nanofabrication.

Three-dimensional parallel recording with a Debye diffraction-limited and aberration-free volumetric multifocal array

In this Letter, we report on the generation of high-quality Debye diffraction-limited volumetric multifocal arrays. The multifocal arrays with a uniformity of 0.99 over the entire focal region of a high numerical-aperture objective are volumetrically generated by using the vectorial Debye-based three-dimensional (3D) Fourier-transform method, through the accurate phase modulation on an Ewald cap. Thus, this method is capable of dynamic spherical aberration compensation. Applying this feature into 3D parallel aberration-free optical recording reveals a significant increase in the throughput by two orders of magnitude.