Effect of annular apodization and pupil beam parameter in the focal region of high NA lens

Focusing properties of the radially polarized axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam with quadratic radial dependence (QBG beam) and annular aperture are investigated theoretically by vector diffraction theory. Simulation results show that the intensity distribution in the focal region of the radially polarized axisymmetric QBG beam can be adjusted considerably by small beam parameter (μ) and annular aperture (δ). When μ increases, the focal spot may change to focal hole and changes focal pattern remarkably. On introducing annular aperture, focus can split or extends along the optical axis for different μ. In this paper, we have shown the generation of the focal spot, dark focal spot, focal split and increase in focal depth in the axial direction of the incident beam propagating through the aligned optical system.     

Propagation dynamics and experimental observation of quadratic vortex beam

The concept of a quadratic vortex beam is proposed, in which phase term of the beam is given by exp(i mθ²). The phase of the quadratic vortex beam increases with azimuthal angle nonlinearly. This change in phase produces several unexpected effects. Unlike the circularly symmetric beam spot of normal vortex beams, the intensity distribution of the quadratic vortex beam is shown to be asymmetric. The phase singularities will shift in the transverse beam plane on propagation.     

Spirally polarized axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam

Focusing properties of the spirally polarized axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam with quadratic radial dependence (QBG beam) are investigated theoretically by vector diffraction theory. Calculation results show that intensity distribution in focal region can be altered considerably by beam parameter μ and spiral parameter C that indicates polarization spiral degree. For certain real value μ, focal spot can evolve from one focal spot to one focal ring, spherical crust focal shape, then two focal rings on increasing spiral parameter C. It was found that under condition of different μ, evolution principle of focal pattern differs very remarkably on increasing C. And some novel focal shapes may appear, including rhombic shape, quadrangular shape, two-spherical crust focus shape, two-peak shape, one dark hollow focus, two dark hollow focuses pattern, triangle dark hollow focus.     

Tight Focusing Properties of Radially Polarized Gaussian Beams with Pair of Vortices

The tight focusing properties of a radially polarized Gaussian beam with a nested pair of vortices having a radial wave front distribution are investigated theoretically by the vector diffraction theory.The results show that the optical intensity in the focal region can be altered considerably by changing the location of the vortices nested in a radially polarized Gaussian beam.It is noted that focal evolution from one annular focal pattern to a highly confined focal spot in the transverse direction is observed corresponding to the change in the location of the optical vortices in the input plane.It is also observed that the generated focal hole or spot lead to a focal shift along the optical axis remarkably under proper radial phase modulation.Hence the proposed system may be applied to construct tunable optical traps for both high and low refractive index particles.     

Average spreading and directionality of broadband partially coherent beam in non-Kolmogorov turbulence

The average spreading and directionality of broadband partially coherent beam (BPCB) in non-Kolmogorov turbulence is studied. The effects of exponent value α, propagation distance, spectrum width, inner and outer scale parameters is studied in detail. Numerical calculation reveals that the beam width increases with the increasing in spectrum bandwidth just like when propagating in Kolmogorov turbulence, however, the beam width may vary as much as by a factor of 50% with different α. The difference in beam width between monochromatic partially coherent beam (MPCB) and BPCB at the receiving plane may vary from 2% to 10% with different α. The angular spreading is more sensitive to α than the spectrum bandwidth; also it is more sensitive to the inner scale parameters than the outer scale parameter.     

Focal properties of cylindrically polarized axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beams by a high NA parabolic mirror

Focusing properties of the cylindrical vector axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam with quadratic radial phase dependence (QBG beam) in high numerical aperture parabolic mirror system is investigated theoretically by vector diffraction theory. Results show that intensity distribution in focal region can be altered considerably by beam parameter μ and polarization angle. The tightly focused cylindrically polarized axial symmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beams by a high numerical aperture parabolic mirror have possible applications in particle acceleration, optical trapping and manipulating, single molecule imaging and high resolution imaging microscopy.     

Optical vortex beams for trapping and transport of particles in air

In this paper we show that laser beams containing phase singularity can be used for trapping and guiding light-absorbing particles in air. The experiments were performed with agglomerates of carbon nanoparticles with the size in the range 0.1–10 μm; the typical cw laser power was of a few mW. The stability of open-air three-dimensional trapping was within ±2 μm in both the transverse and the longitudinal directions. The particle position on the beams axis within the trap can be controlled by changing the relative intensity of two beams. The distinguishing feature of the trapping strategy is that particles are trapped at the intensity minimum of the beam, thus with minimum heating and intervention into the particle properties, which is important for direct studies of particle properties and for air-trapping of living cells.     

Peculiarities of filamentation of sharply focused ultrashort laser pulses in air

Peculiarities of the self-focusing and filamentation of high-power femtosecond laser pulses in air have been experimentally and theoretically studied under conditions of broad variation of the beam focusing parameter. The influence of the numerical aperture (NA) of the initial radiation focusing on the main characteristics of laser-induced plasma columns (characteristic transverse size, length, and concentration of free electrons) is considered. It is established that, for a rigid (NA > 0.05) initial laser beam focusing, the transverse size of the plasma channel ceases to decrease at a level of R _pl ≈ 2–4 μm as a result of strong refraction of radiation on the plasma formed at the focal waist, which prevents further contraction of the laser beam due to its focusing and self-focusing.     

Effects of sidelobes of focused flat-topped laser beams on vacuum electron acceleration

Using three-dimensional test particle simulations, we investigated electrons accelerated by a focused flat-top laser beam at different intensities and flatness levels of the beam profile before focusing in vacuum. The results show that the presence of sidelobes around the main focal spot of the focused flat-top laser beam influences the optimum (as far as electron acceleration is concerned) initial momentum (and incident angle) of electrons for acceleration. The difference of initial conditions between laser beams with and without sidelobes becomes evident when the laser field is strong enough (a₀>10, corresponding to intensities I>1×10²⁰ W/cm² for the laser wavelength λ=1 μm, where a₀ is a dimensionless parameter measuring laser intensity). The difference becomes more pronounced at increasing a₀. Because of the presence of sidelobes, there exist three typical CAS (capture and acceleration scenario) channels when a₀≥30 (corresponding to I>1×10²¹ W/cm² for λ=1 μm). The energy spread of the outgoing electrons is also discussed in detail. PACS 41.75.Jv; 42.60.Jf; 42.25.Fx     

An experimental study on swirling flow in a cylindrical annuli using the PIV technique

Abstract  

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the characteristics of turbulent swirling flow in an axisymmetric annuli. The swirl angle measurements were performed using a flow visualization technique using smoke and dye liquid for Re = 60,000–80,000. Using the two-dimensional particle image velocimetry method, this study found the time-mean velocity distribution and turbulent intensity in water with swirl for Re = 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 along longitudinal sections. There were neutral points for equal axial velocity at y/(R − r) = 0.7–0.75, and the highest axial velocity was recorded near y/(R − r) = 0.9. Negative axial velocity was observed near the convex tube along X/(D − d) = 3–23.     

Spreading of an SR beam spot (diameter 0.5 μm, 95 eV) photoelectron image on the surface of WO<Subscript>3 − <Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript> films

The 2D-photoemission image of the beam spot was obtained for the first time for the W⁵⁺ oxidation state on the preliminary irradiated WO_{3 − x} thin film surface, created by scanning of the SR beam over the film surface. The W⁵⁺ beam profile intensity was found to spread up to a distance of 3.2 μm for an amorphous film and 5.5 μm for a polycrystalline film, it exceeds considerably the beam spot size. The image saturation dose was reached faster for a polycrystalline film. Among the possible mechanisms explaining this phenomenon, for the case of an almost unchangeable O2s state under irradiation, a choice was made in favor of a photon-generated charge diffusion due to low-energy secondary electrons from photoemission, which produce the “coloration” effect, e⁻ + W⁶⁺ (W⁵⁺) W⁵⁺ → W⁵⁺(W⁴⁺). The O512-eV Auger peak was found to degrade at the distance of 1.5–2 mm outside the beam spot under long-time electron beam irradiation, which is attributed to electron-stimulated oxygen desorption and outdiffusion.     

Fast LEED-intensity measurements with a computer controlled television system

A standard television system in combination with a processing computer is used for measurements of LEED beam intensities of a spot pattern. The video signal of the TV camera contains the intensity distribution of each spot. This can be integrated for one selected spot by the computer which also takes care of automatic background subtraction. The processing program controls the energy of the incident electron beam and follows the moving spot position. One integration of a profile and thus the measurement of one point of anI(E) curve takes 0.5 s or less. Diffracted beam currents down to 10⁻¹¹ A can be detected with the present experimental set-up. The output is immediately displayed and recorded in final reduced formI/I ₀.     

Focal shift of cylindrical vector axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam with radial variance phase wavefront

Axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam with quadratic radial dependence (QBG beam) has attracted much attention recently. In this paper, the focal shift of the cylindrical vector QBG beam with radial variance phase wavefront is investigated theoretically by vector diffraction theory. Results show that focus shifts considerably by changing the phase parameter C that indicates the radial phase variance speed. Under condition of small beam parameter μ of cylindrical vector QBG beam, there is one focal peak that shifts far away from optical aperture on increasing C. When μ increases, there may occur two focal peaks that also shift remarkably on increasing C. And it was found that the dependence of focal shift distance on increasing phase parameter is linear. Phase parameter adjusts the focal shift distance, while, polarization angle does not affect focal shift obviously.     

斜程大气中聚焦J0相关部分相干光束的传输特性

采用部分相干光交叉谱密度理论,给出了适用于任意大气湍流条件的斜程湍流大气传输J₀相关部分相干光束在接收面内的长期平均光强分布、光束长期扩展和质量因子的解析表达式,分析了天顶角、传输距离、光源相干性以及湍流外尺度对接收面光强分布特性和光束扩展的影响.研究结果表明：在天顶角和传输距离一定的条件下,通过选择合适的光源相干性可控制焦面光强为平顶分布或中心光强为最大;在传输距离给定的条件下,随着天顶角或大气湍流外尺度的增加,焦斑光强分布均由中央凹陷分布逐渐变为高斯分布.焦面附近光强的中央凹陷比焦面的中央凹陷浅.J₀相关部分相干光束实际焦斑位置随天顶角、湍流外尺度的增加以及相干性减弱而移向发射端. 关键词： 部分相干束 大气湍流 0相关')" href="#">J₀相关 斜程传输     

Focus shaping of tightly focused TEM11 mode cylindrically polarized Laguerre Gaussian beam by diffractive optical element

We study the focus shaping of tightly focused TEM₁₁ mode cylindrically polarized Laguerre Gaussian beam with high numerical aperture lens axicon system is investigated theoretically by vector diffraction theory. The intensity pattern at the focus can be tailored by appropriately adjusting the rotation angle. We show that the high NA lens axicon system can generates a sub wavelength focal spot, focal hole, focal splitting and flat-topped focal shapes with extended depth of focus.     

The characteristics of laser micro drilling using a Bessel beam

A Bessel beam is suitable for laser micro-fabrication because it possesses both a micron-sized focal spot and a deep focal depth. As the influence of focusing aberrations is much smaller than that of a convex lens, the generation of a Bessel beam using an axicon is very practical. In the case of laser micro drilling of austenitic stainless steel with a Bessel beam, suitable processing conditions were investigated. The threshold fluence to make a through hole increased with an increase in the sample thickness. For samples with the same thickness, the threshold fluence increased with an increase in the crossing angle. A small crossing angle Bessel beam can drill a deep hole with a small threshold fluence. A through hole with a diameter smaller than 10 μm can be made on a stainless steel sheet 20 μm thick by using a Bessel beam with a large crossing angle. The taper of the hole drilled with the Bessel beam is smaller than that with the focused beam from the convex lens. PACS 52.38.Mf; 42.62.Cf; 42.79.Bh     

A slow gravity compensated atom laser

We report on a slow guided atom laser beam outcoupled from a Bose–Einstein condensate of ⁸⁷Rb atoms in a hybrid trap. The acceleration of the atom laser beam can be controlled by compensating the gravitational acceleration and we reach residual accelerations as low as 0.0027 g. The outcoupling mechanism allows for the production of a constant flux of 4.5×10⁶ atoms per second and due to transverse guiding we obtain an upper limit for the mean beam width of 4.6 μm. The transverse velocity spread is only 0.2 mm/s and thus an upper limit for the beam quality parameter is M ²=2.5. We demonstrate the potential of the long interrogation times available with this atom laser beam by measuring the trap frequency in a single measurement. The small beam width together with the long evolution and interrogation time makes this atom laser beam a promising tool for continuous interferometric measurements.     

Sharper focal spot below λ/4 of azimuthally polarized illumination phase-encoded by the binary 0/π phase plate

The intensity distribution in the focal region for the azimuthally polarized beam phase-encoded by the binary 0/π phase plate is calculated on the basis of the vector diffraction theory. With the annular pupil aperture employed, the resolution of the focal spot will be improved remarkably. We demonstrate a sharper focal spot with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 0.223λ (below λ/4), significantly smaller that of linear, circular and radial polarization beam under the same condition. The focusing phenomena for illumination beam with various polarization status and beam shapes are analyzed explicitly. This analysis could have potential applications in confocal microscopy and two-photo microscopy for polarization difference imaging.     

A nonlinear controller for three-dimensional tracking of a fluorescent particle in a confocal microscope

We describe an algorithm for using a confocal microscope for tracking single fluorescent particles diffusing in three dimensions. The algorithm uses a standard confocal setup and directly translates each fluorescence measurement into an actuator command. Through physical simulations, we illustrate 3-D tracking in both stage scanning and beam scanning confocal systems. The simulated stage scanning system achieved tracking of particles diffusing in 3-D with coefficients up to 0.2 μm²/s when the average fluorescence intensities was less than 1.84 counts per measurement cycle (corresponding to less than 18,400 counts per second) in the presence of background fluorescence with a rate of 5,000 counts per second. Increasing the fluorescence intensity to approximately 193 counts per measurement cycle (1,930,000 counts per second) allowed the system to track up to particles diffusing with coefficients as large as 0.7 μm²/s. The beam steering system allowed for faster motion of the focal volume of the microscope and successfully tracked particles diffusing with coefficients up to 0.7 μm²/s with fluorescence measurement intensities of approximately 0.189 counts per measurement cycle (37,570 counts per second) and with coefficients up to 90 μm²/s when the fluorescence intensity was increased to 19 counts per measurement cycle (3,807,500 counts/sec).     

The Effect of the Spin Angular Momentum on the Tight-Focusing Vortex Hollow Gaussian Beams

The propagation properties of a hollow Gaussian beam (HGB) carrying on-axis and off-axis vortices through a high numerical aperture lens are investigated. The intensity of the focused beam in the focal plane can be controlled by choosing the different topological charges, the beam order, and the semi-aperture angle. As intrinsic properties, vortex beams possess both spin and orbital angular momenta. The spin angular momenta (SAM) density can be treated as a vector in 3D since it exists in arbitrary orientation during the beam propagation. The vectors of SAM density orientation of the focused beam in 3D rotate around the central axis whose locations mainly rely on the vortices. The magnitude of the SAM density near the focus plane abruptly varies by altering the focal length of the lens. Under tightly focusing condition, two new pairs of vortices generate alternately on x and y axes in the vectorial electric fields, while the topological charges increase by one.