Atomic vapor as a source of tunable, non-Gaussian self-reconstructing optical modes

In this manuscript, we demonstrate the ability of nonlinear light-atom interactions to produce tunably non-Gaussian, partially self-healing optical modes. Gaussian spatial-mode light tuned near to the atomic resonances in hot rubidium vapor is shown to result in non-Gaussian output mode structures t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2017-02, Vol.7 (1), p.42311-42311, Article 42311
Main Authors: Swaim, Jon D., David, Kaitlyn N., Knutson, Erin M., Rios, Christian, Danaci, Onur, Glasser, Ryan T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
639/624/400/1100
639/624/400/385
Cameras
Experiments
Humanities and Social Sciences
Lasers
Light
multidisciplinary
Rubidium
Science
Spectrum analysis
Temperature effects
Vapors
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Summary:In this manuscript, we demonstrate the ability of nonlinear light-atom interactions to produce tunably non-Gaussian, partially self-healing optical modes. Gaussian spatial-mode light tuned near to the atomic resonances in hot rubidium vapor is shown to result in non-Gaussian output mode structures that may be controlled by varying either the input beam power or the temperature of the atomic vapor. We show that the output modes exhibit a degree of self-reconstruction after encountering an obstruction in the beam path. The resultant modes are similar to truncated Bessel-Gauss modes that exhibit the ability to self-reconstruct earlier upon propagation than Gaussian modes. The ability to generate tunable, self-reconstructing beams has potential applications to a variety of imaging and communication scenarios.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/srep42311