Nonlinear lattice structures based on families of complex nondiffracting beams

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile method for generating complex nondiffracting optical lattice patterns across four families, enabling new possibilities in nonlinear photonics and potentially in atom optics and cold gases.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel, general approach to create complex nondiffracting optical lattices for all four families, demonstrated in a nonlinear photorefractive medium.

Findings

Successfully generated complex photonic lattices including discrete, Bessel, Mathieu, and Weber types.

Demonstrated optical induction of these lattices in a nonlinear medium.

Technique is adaptable to other fields like atom optics and cold gases.

Abstract

We present a new concept for the generation of optical lattice waves. For all four families of nondiffracting beams, we are able to realize corresponding nondiffracting intensity patterns in one single setup. The potential of our approach is shown by demonstrating the optical induction of complex photonic discrete, Bessel, Mathieu, and Weber lattices in a nonlinear photorefractive medium. However, our technique itself is very general and can be transferred to optical lattices in other fields like atom optics or cold gases in order to add such complex optical potentials as a new concept to these areas as well.