Quantized Optical Vortex-array Eigenstates in a Rotating Frame

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how linear combinations of Bessel beams can create stationary arrays of optical vortices in a rotating frame, with quantized rotation rates, interpreted hydrodynamically as vortices in a fluid of light.

Contribution

It introduces a method to generate quantized optical vortex-array eigenstates using Bessel beam combinations in a rotating frame, revealing new linear, quantized vortex configurations.

Findings

Stationary vortex arrays can be engineered with specific charge patterns.

Rotation rates are quantized despite the linear optical setting.

Hydrodynamic analogy links optical vortices to fluid vortices.

Abstract

Linear combinations of Bessel beams can be used to effectively trap light within cylindrical domains. Such hard traps can be used to produce states that exhibit stationary arrays of optical vortices from the perspective of a steadily rotating frame. These patterned singularities can be engineered to have singularities of the same or mixed charges and the requisite rotation rates are quantized even though the setting is purely linear. A hydrodynamic interpretation is that the vortices are at rest within a compressible, two-dimensional fluid of light.