Optics (physics.optics)

Abstract: Based on image moment theory, an approach for space-variant Shack-Hartmann wavefront reconstruction is presented in this article. The relation between the moment of a pair of subimages and the local transformation coefficients is derived. The square guide 'star' is used to obtain a special solution from this relation. The moment-based wavefront reconstruction has a reduced computational complexity compared to the iteration-based algorithm. Image restorations are executed by the tiling strategy with 5 $\times$ 5 PSFs as well as the conventional strategy with a global average PSF. Visual and quantitative evaluations support our approach.

Abstract: Skyrmions are topologically protected quasiparticles, originally studied in condensed-matter systems and recently in photonics, with great potential in ultra-high-capacity information storage. Despite the recent attention, most optical solutions require complex and expensive systems yet produce limited topologies. Here we demonstrate an extended family of quasiparticles beyond normal skyrmions, which are controlled in confined photonic gradient-index media, extending to higher-order members such as multiskyrmions and multimerons, with increasingly complex topologies. We introduce new topological numbers to describe these complex photonic quasiparticles and propose how this new zoology of particles could be used in future high-capacity information transfer. Our compact creation system lends integrated and programmable solutions of complex particle textures, with potential impacts on both photonic and condensed-matter systems for revolutionizing topological informatics and logic devices.

Abstract: In the age of information explosion, the conventional optical communication protocols are rapidly reaching the limits of their capacity, as almost all available degrees of freedom (e.g., wavelength, polarization) for division multiplexing have been explored to date. Recent advances in coherent mode division multiplexing have greatly facilitated high-speed optical communications and secure, high-capacity information storage and transfer. However, coherent mode division multiplexing is quite vulnerable to even minute environmental disturbances which can cause significant information loss. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a paradigm shift to incoherent mode division multiplexing for high-security optical information encryption by harnessing the degree of coherence of structured random light beams. In contrast to the conventional techniques, our approach does not require mode orthogonality to circumnavigate unwanted mode crosstalk. In addition, our protocol has, in principle, no upper bound on its capacity. Thanks to the extreme robustness of structured random light to external perturbations, we are able to achieve highly accurate information encryption and decryption in the adverse environment. The proposed protocol opens new horizons in an array of fields, such as optical communications and cryptography, and it can be relevant for information processing with acoustical, matter as well as other types of waves.

Abstract: We propose a single-shot quantitative differential phase contrast (DPC) method with polarization multiplexing illumination. In the illumination module of our system, the programmable LED array is divided into four quadrants and covered with polarizing films of four different polarization angles. We use a polarization camera with polarizers before the pixels in the imaging module. By matching the polarization angle between the polarizing films over the custom LED array and the polarizers in the camera, two sets of asymmetric illumination acquisition images can be calculated from a single-shot acquisition image. Combined with the phase transfer function, we can calculate the quantitative phase of the sample. We present the design, implementation, and experimental image data demonstrating the ability of our method to obtain quantitative phase images of the phase resolution target, as well as Hela cells.

Abstract: Control over intensity, shape, direction and phase of coherent light is a cornerstone of 20 photonics. Modern laser optics, however, frequently demands parameter regimes where either the wavelength or the optical power restricts control e.g. due to absorption or damage. Limitations are imposed by the properties of solid media, upon which most photonic control schemes rely. We propose to circumvent these limitations using gas media tailored by high-intensity ultrasound waves. We demonstrate a first implementation of this approach by modulating ultrashort laser 25 pulses using ultrasound waves in ambient air, entirely omitting transmissive solid media. At peak powers of 20 GW exceeding the limits of solid-based acousto-optical modulation by about three orders of magnitude, we reach a diffraction efficiency greater than 50% while preserving excellent beam quality. Our results open a route towards versatile gas-phase Sono-Photonic methods, i.e. gas-based photonic systems controlled by sonic waves.