Vortex dynamics and applications to gaseous optical elements

TL;DR

This paper investigates the optical properties of gas vortices, demonstrating their potential as optical elements like lenses or waveguides through experimental phase measurements and beam analysis.

Contribution

It presents new experimental techniques for measuring and adjusting the optical properties of compressible, viscous, and rotating gas flows, expanding their potential applications.

Findings

Gas vortices can function as optical lenses and waveguides.

Interferometric phase measurements effectively characterize optical properties.

Adjustable gas density distributions enable tailored optical functionalities.

Abstract

Experimental studies of the optical properties of compressible, viscous and rapidly-rotating gas flows (vortices) are presented. Gas vortices can function as optical elements such as lenses or waveguides. The optical properties are determined from direct interferometric phase measurements and beam propagation analysis. Output beams are analyzed in terms of Zernike polynomials for a range of gas flow parameters, including choked flow. The absolute radial gas density distribution is measured and a technique for adjusting it is demonstrated.