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 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.
Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
Jon D
JD
Swaim
Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
Kaitlyn N
KN
David
Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
Erin M
EM
Knutson
Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
Christian
C
Rios
Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
Onur
O
Danaci
Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
Ryan T
RT
Glasser