A method to generate complex quasi-nondiffracting optical lattices

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile technique for generating complex quasi-non-diffracting optical lattices with various shapes and topologies, enabling advanced manipulation in multiple scientific fields.

Contribution

A novel method for creating complex quasi-non-diffracting light beams with customizable shapes and topologies, expanding capabilities in optical manipulation.

Findings

Generation of spiraling and curved stripe patterns

Ability to combine different beam types in one pattern

Potential applications in biophysics and quantum optics

Abstract

We put forward a powerful technique that allows generating quasi-non-diffracting light beams with a variety of complex transverse shapes and topologies. We show that, e.g., spiraling patterns, patterns featuring curved or bent bright stripes, or patterns featuring arbitrary combinations of harmonic, Bessel, Mathieu and parabolic beams occupying different domains in the transverse plane can be produced. The quasi-non-diffracting patterns open up a wealth of opportunities for the manipulation of matter and optical waves, colloidal and living particles, with applications in biophysics, and quantum, nonlinear and atom optics.